Archive · 17 Sep 2026
Allies Fear Trump Could Soften Taiwan Stance Before Xi Summit
Donald Trump is expected to meet Chinese leader Xi Jinping on September 24.
Taiwan is a self-governed island that China claims as its territory.
China wants Taiwan to eventually come under its control and has not ruled out using force.
US allies worry Trump might make promises about Taiwan to get a better trade deal with China.
Trump has called a large US weapons package for Taiwan a possible bargaining tool.
Taiwan and Japan are asking the United States not to weaken its support.
The United States officially does not take a position on Taiwan’s sovereignty.
Experts say even small changes in Trump’s words could encourage China to act more strongly.
A conflict could disrupt the global economy because Taiwan produces most of the world’s advanced semiconductors.
US allies fear Donald Trump may soften Washington’s support for Taiwan during his expected September 24 summit with Xi Jinping.
Trump has called a $14 billion US arms package for Taiwan a potential “negotiating chip” with China.
Taiwanese and Japanese officials are urging Washington to avoid any move that could harm Taiwan or weaken regional stability.
China considers Taiwan a core interest and has not renounced using force to bring the island under its control.
Analysts warn that even a subtle change in US rhetoric could embolden Beijing and destabilize the region and global economy.
- Who
- US President Donald Trump, Chinese leader Xi Jinping, Taiwan, Japan, and other US allies in Asia.
- What
- Allies are concerned that Trump may soften US support for Taiwan or use arms sales as leverage in negotiations with China.
- When
- The report was published September 17, and Trump and Xi are expected to meet on September 24.
- Where
- The concerns center on Taiwan, China, Japan, and Washington, with the expected summit involving the United States and China.
- Why
- Allies fear a softer US position could embolden Beijing, threaten Taiwan’s security, and undermine regional and global stability.
US Allies’ Concerns
China’s Position
Taiwan’s security
US Allies’ Concerns
Taiwan, Japan, and other US allies want Washington to avoid any action or statement that could harm Taiwan or weaken regional stability.
China’s Position
China says reunification with Taiwan would bring stability and serve US interests, while maintaining that Taiwan is part of China.
US arms sales
US Allies’ Concerns
Allied officials and analysts fear using Taiwan arms sales as a bargaining tool could signal weaker US support and encourage Beijing.
China’s Position
Chinese officials and experts say Washington should take Beijing’s objections to arms sales seriously.
Summit messaging
US Allies’ Concerns
Japan wants Trump to preserve established diplomatic language on Taiwan and avoid making the issue the focus of the summit.
China’s Position
China is expected to press Trump on Taiwan, including US arms sales and Washington’s resolve to defend the island.
- Expected summit
- Donald Trump is expected to host Xi Jinping on September 24.
- Taiwan arms package
- A $14 billion US arms package for Taiwan has reportedly awaited Trump’s approval for months.
- Trump’s description
- Trump called the Taiwan arms package a “very good negotiating chip” after his May meeting with Xi.
- US policy
- The United States follows a “one China policy” and officially takes no position on Taiwan’s sovereignty.
- China’s position
- China calls Taiwan a core interest and has not renounced using force to bring it under its control.
- Economic risk
- Taiwan produces more than 90% of the world’s advanced semiconductors.