Taiwanese officials have expressed satisfaction with former US President Donald Trump's decision not to publicly mention the island following his recent phone conversation with Chinese President Xi Jinping. This "silence" is viewed as the "best outcome" for Taiwan, suggesting the island was not used as a bargaining chip in US-China discussions.

On 24/11, Donald Trump and Xi Jinping held a phone call to discuss various issues. China's Xinhua news agency reported that the two leaders exchanged views on trade, bilateral relations, and the conflict in Ukraine. Xinhua emphasized that during the call, Xi also clarified China's principled stance on the Taiwan issue, stating that the island's "return to China is an inseparable part of the post-war international order".

However, the US readout of the phone call made no mention of Taiwan. Trump later posted on social media, praising the "extremely strong" relationship between the US and China, but also omitted any reference to Taiwan.

Taiwan foreign affairs official Francois Chihchung Wu stated on 25/11 that Trump's "silence" signaled the island was not being used as a "bargaining chip" in US-China negotiations. "Our omission is the best outcome, meaning we are not part of a deal", Wu said, adding that Taiwan maintains regular, in-depth communication with the US.

Taiwan foreign affairs official Francois Chihchung Wu in Taipei on 7/9. *Photo: CNA*

This diplomatic nuance comes amidst heightened regional tensions. As China and Japan recently experienced increased tension over Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's statements regarding Taiwan, the island subtly showed support for Tokyo while carefully avoiding angering Beijing. Taiwan leader Lai Ching-te and the island's foreign affairs official posted photos of themselves eating sushi, encouraging Taiwan residents to travel to Japan and purchase goods.

Japan's Prime Minister stated on 7/11 that in a scenario of an attack on Taiwan, Tokyo could deploy its self-defense forces if the conflict poses an existential threat to Japan. Taiwan is 100 km from Japan's nearest island. China reacted strongly after this statement, summoning Japan's ambassador for the first time in two years, and advising its citizens not to travel to Japan. This was considered the major crisis in bilateral relations in years.

China consistently views Taiwan as an inseparable part of its territory and is prepared to use all measures to achieve unification. Chinese leaders have repeatedly stated they do not rule out the use of force to reclaim the island, although the general policy remains peaceful dialogue and unification.

The US is committed to the "One China" principle but continues to maintain relations with Taiwan and provide the island with modern weaponry. The Taiwan Relations Act, signed by former President Jimmy Carter after Washington established diplomatic relations with Beijing in 1979, requires the US to support Taiwan's defense capabilities.

By Ngoc Anh (According to Straits Times, Yahoo News)