Xi Jinping Pressures Trump to Oppose Taiwan Independence in Diplomatic Power Play
- Richard Sykes
- Sep 29, 2025
- 2 min read
United States — In a bold diplomatic maneuver, Chinese President Xi Jinping is urging the United States to adopt a significantly tougher stance on Taiwan, requesting that President Donald Trump officially declare opposition to the island’s independence—a shift that could redefine decades of U.S. policy and reverberate across global power dynamics.1
A Strategic Wording Shift
China’s request centers on replacing the long-standing U.S. phrasing that it “does not support” Taiwan independence with the more assertive “opposes” independence. While subtle, the change carries major implications. It would signal a stronger alignment with Beijing’s position and potentially isolate Taiwan further on the world stage.1
The Biden administration previously resisted similar pressure, but Trump’s team is reportedly weighing the proposal as part of broader negotiations with China. The discussions come ahead of a planned summit in South Korea, where Trump and Xi are expected to meet face-to-face.1
Taiwan’s Response
Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs remains vigilant. Spokesman Hsiao Kuang-wei stated that Taipei is “closely monitoring Beijing’s manipulative narratives” and maintaining “smooth and close communication” with the U.S. and allied nations.1
What’s at Stake?
Experts warn that any shift in U.S. language could be interpreted as a concession to China, especially amid ongoing trade talks and tech restrictions. Craig Singleton of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies noted that Beijing’s strategy is incremental: “Pocket small wins and then push for more”.1
The Trump administration’s balancing act—maintaining ties with Taiwan while keeping dialogue open with Xi—has already led to controversial decisions, such as denying Taiwan President Lai Ching-te permission to transit through New York.1
Global Implications
This diplomatic tug-of-war unfolds as tensions rise in other arenas, including U.S. arms support for Ukraine and growing concerns over Chinese influence in global tech and trade. The outcome of Trump and Xi’s negotiations could reshape not only U.S.-China relations but also the geopolitical landscape of East Asia.
References:
1Xi Pushes Trump to ‘Oppose’ Taiwan Independence in Major Shift. https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/xi-pushes-trump-to-oppose-taiwan-independence-in-major-shift/ar-AA1NuO5h
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