WASHINGTON, D.C. — A public show of diplomacy was on full display in Beijing on Thursday as the high-stakes summit between President Donald Trump and China’s Xi Jinping continues.
But behind the handshakes and pageantry looms a consequential geopolitical issue.
China’s leader, Xi Jinping, reportedly warned President Trump that any mishandling of the “Taiwan issue” could result in major consequences, potentially even conflict between the two superpowers. Taiwan remains the most important and sensitive topic between the two superpowers, according to Chinese officials.
Democrats in Washington are worried President Trump could make concessions to China over Taiwan, while Republicans insist the U.S. stance on Taiwan will not change.
“We all ought to fear what Donald Trump may concede to China, just so he can claim a headline,” Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said. “Donald Trump could sell out Taiwan, whose people want to continue living in freedom instead of under the jackboot of the Chinese Communist Party,” Schumer added.
Democrats warn that any concession on Taiwan could threaten both global democracy and economic stability, pointing to Taiwan’s critical semiconductor industry.
Some Republicans pushed back on those concerns Thursday. Others emphasized the importance of maintaining support for Taiwan.
“If there’s any change in the Taiwan policy that dominates the whole summit, so clearly an effort to intimidate by China, but we’ll stand up to it,” said Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C. “We’ve been supporting Taiwan militarily. We have a longstanding policy. We’re not going to change that.”
“You see what’s already happened to Hong Kong. You see what happens when China takes over. I don’t trust them. I think that we have to continue the posture that we have today. And I think any step away from that posture would be a mistake,” said Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters Thursday that the Taiwan policy remains unchanged.
Many analysts say the summit in Beijing may produce more symbolism than substance with both sides remaining deeply divided on some of the world’s biggest flashpoints. That being said, both Xi and Trump are looking to walk away with some wins and headlines given economic and global instability, especially in the Middle East.
The two leaders reportedly spoke about Iran at the summit. However, President Trump did not request any help from Xi to broker a deal. China is a major purchaser of Iran’s oil and has major influence in the country.
President Trump formally invited Xi and his wife to Washington. The reciprocal visit to the White House will take place on Sept. 24.
