Taiwan trade assurance took center stage as US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reassured that Taiwan would not be used as leverage in US-China trade talks. Rubio told reporters aboard his flight between Israel and Qatar that Washington would not trade support for Taiwan for economic concessions.
He emphasized that no one in the administration plans to compromise Taiwan’s security or sovereignty. His remarks followed growing speculation ahead of the expected US-China trade discussions.
Taiwan trade assurance gained more support when the US Treasury confirmed that talks in Malaysia between US Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng were very constructive. These meetings occurred before the APEC summit in South Korea and set the stage for the upcoming Trump-Xi meeting.
President Trump said he hoped to reach a good deal with China to ease trade tensions. He also stated he would discuss Taiwan directly with Xi while expressing respect for the island. Analysts noted that Taiwan would not dominate the agenda.
Chang Wu-ueh, director of Tamkang University’s Center for Cross-Strait Relations, said Taiwan remains a core and sensitive issue. Both nations must clarify their positions to prevent misunderstandings that could escalate tensions.
Wang Hsin-hsien, chair of the Institute of International Relations at National Chengchi University, added that Trump will likely focus on trade issues like rare earths, fentanyl, and soybeans. Beijing, he said, raised Taiwan during discussions.
Taiwan’s Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung reaffirmed that Washington repeatedly gave Taiwan trade assurance to Taipei. He stated the US promised to protect Taiwan’s interests regardless of outcomes in talks with China.
Lin expressed gratitude for the US’ consistent support. He cited recent multilateral statements by the G7 and during the UN General Assembly as proof of ongoing commitment.
As the Trump-Xi meeting nears, trade and strategic concerns will dominate discussions. However, the clear Taiwan trade assurance shows Washington’s continued commitment to stability in the Taiwan Strait.
