Xi Jinping is intensifying efforts to secure a major shift in U.S. policy on Taiwan, people familiar with the matter said, hoping to leverage President Donald Trump’s interest in a trade deal to push Washington into formally opposing Taiwan’s independence.
Since taking power in 2012, Xi has made reunification with Taiwan central to his “China Dream,” stressing that outside powers such as the U.S. cannot prevent it. While the Biden administration said the U.S. “does not support” independence, that wording still upheld the long-standing One China policy of strategic ambiguity. Xi now wants Trump to go further by explicitly declaring U.S. opposition — a step that would align Washington with Beijing’s stance and isolate Taipei.
The distinction between “not supporting” and “opposing” is critical for Beijing, as the latter would represent a significant policy shift. Analysts suggest such a move could strengthen Xi’s authority domestically. Chinese officials believe Trump’s desire for an economic accord could open the door. U.S. officials, however, have so far stuck to language rejecting unilateral changes to the status quo and warning that China poses the greatest threat to peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.
The Wall Street Journal (gated) carries the report.
