Taiwanese scholars call US actions key after meeting between President Trump and Xi — Taipei Times

In Taipei, Taiwan, Taiwanese scholars said that the implications for Taiwan of the meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping will become clearer through Washington’s subsequent steps. As Taipei Times reports, the discussion took place at a forum of the National Policy Foundation.

Chang Wu-ueh, a senior adviser to the institute, called the outcome of the White House talks predictable. According to him, the meeting helped the sides manage their differences, but it was unlikely to produce substantial agreements on Taiwan. He also said that Taiwan cannot become a bargaining chip as part of a grand deal between the United States and China.

Signs of Washington’s policy

In Chang’s view, important signals will include US decisions on arms sales to Taiwan, permits for transit stops by Taiwanese presidents, visits by senior US officials to Taiwan and other measures supporting the island.

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The Chinese side said that Xi Jinping called on Washington during the meeting to consider Taiwan-related issues carefully and oppose its independence. At the same time, White House statements referred to progress on economic and other issues, but did not mention Taiwan. A US fact sheet also said that both leaders intend to attend summits hosted by each other’s countries: APEC in China and the G20 in the United States.

Assessments by forum participants

Ming Chu-cheng, an emeritus professor of political science at National Taiwan University, cautioned against concluding that Xi’s ceremonial reception in the United States signified progress in the key disputes between the two countries. He believed that such a reception served the political interests of both leaders: Trump is preparing for US midterm elections, while Xi seeks to strengthen his position ahead of the next congress of the Chinese Communist Party.

Kuo Yu-jen, vice president of the National Policy Foundation, said that the flyover of Andrews Air Force Base by two B-1B bombers during Xi’s arrival was a warning amid the ceremonial welcome. According to him, Trump also intended to demonstrate a warning to Xi.