The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) quoted people familiar with the matter last Saturday (September 27) as reporting that Chinese President Xi Jinping is no longer satisfied with the statement of "the United States does not support Taiwan independence" during the administration of former US President Joe Biden, and plans to take advantage of the current US President Donald Trump's eagerness to reach a trade agreement with China to ask Trump to formally express "opposition to Taiwan independence."
The report points out that for Xi Jinping, the distinction between "not supporting" and "opposing" Taiwanese independence is not a game of words. If the US expresses opposition, it would represent a shift from its original neutral stance to a clear position, aligned with Beijing's position, opposing Taiwanese sovereignty. This would not only affect the situation in the Taiwan Strait but could also further consolidate Xi Jinping's power base at home.
However, people familiar with the matter also said that rejecting Beijing's narrative of "opposing Taiwan independence" is key to the US deterrence against China because it will prevent Beijing from launching a conflict for political reasons like Russia did with Ukraine.
In response to this, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun, when asked about this at a regular press conference on Monday (the 29th), stated that the Taiwan issue is at the core of China's core interests and the first uncrossable red line in Sino-US relations. The one-China principle is a fundamental norm of international relations and a universal consensus of the international community, as well as the political foundation of Sino-US relations. He reiterated, "Upholding the one-China principle naturally requires opposing 'Taiwan independence' secessionist activities."
Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Hsiao Guangwei said on Tuesday (30th) that the US side has actually made relevant explanations, pointing out that the US position on Taiwan remains unchanged and will not unilaterally change the status quo. China’s actions continue to pose the greatest threat to peace in the Taiwan Strait.
Xiao Guangwei emphasized that the Republic of China (Taiwan) and the People's Republic of China are not subordinate to each other and exist on an equal footing. This is an objective fact and current situation. Our country has always clearly demonstrated to the international community that Taiwan is committed to maintaining the status quo of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.
