Beijing signals Taiwan will shape broader ties with Washington as Trump weighs future arms sales to the island
3-MIN READ3-MIN ListenYuanyue Dangin WashingtonPublished: 4:32am, 16 May 2026Updated: 4:39am, 16 May 2026Taiwan has emerged as the first test of Beijing and Washington’s new “strategic stability” formula, according to analysts.
Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi said on Friday that during Trump’s state visit to China from Wednesday to Friday, the Chinese side “feels during the meetings” that “the US side understands China’s position, values China’s concerns, and, like the international community, does not recognise or accept Taiwan independence”.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Friday, Trump said he and Xi “talked a lot about Taiwan” during their formal and informal exchanges on Thursday and Friday.
“I think we’ll be fine,” Trump said. “He doesn’t want to see a war.”
