Donald Trump left Beijing on Friday without clarifying US military support for the self-governed island. Xi Jinping asked if the US would fight to defend Taiwan from a mainland strike during their summit.
But Trump claimed he does not discuss such topics because he alone holds the secret answer. And he masks his intent by using a long policy of uncertainty to keep allies guessing.
Yet tension anchors the Pacific as US naval assets move toward the conflict in Iran. Experts warn that munitions stockpiles sink while the defense industrial base struggles to keep pace.
So Seth Jones of CSIS says the US must move fast to avoid a hard lesson against China in the Pacific because the defense base feels strain. He fears a loss.
Xi warned that Taiwan stands as the most sensitive point in China’s ties with the US. He told Trump that mishandling the island triggers clashes or even direct war between powers.
And Trump discussed arms sales in detail but will wait to make a final decision on the deal while he evaluates the risks of a distant war. He wants no war.
Now Secretary Marco Rubio says the official US stance on the island remains static for today. But Bonnie Glaser notes that a Chinese invasion looks unlikely in the near term.
Internal purges mask a lack of readiness in the People’s Liberation Army according to recent intelligence reports from the region and various local sources on the ground. Xi waits for strength.
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