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Taiwan casts long shadow over Trump’s summit with Xi

Taiwan has emerged as the first test of Beijing and Washington’s new “strategic stability” formula, according to analysts.
In the aftermath of the high-profile summit between…

By Samantha Johnson / May 15, 2026

Taiwan has emerged as the first test of Beijing and Washington’s new “strategic stability” formula, according to analysts.

In the aftermath of the high-profile summit between Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump in Beijing, subtle differences have emerged in how the two sides have characterised Taiwan, which Beijing defines as the most important issue in the bilateral relationship.

Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi said on Friday that during Trump’s state visit to China from Wednesday to Friday, the Chinese side “feels during the meetings” that “the US side understands China’s position, values China’s concerns, and, like the international community, does not recognise or accept Taiwan independence”.

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The statement came after Trump had left China.

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Friday, Trump said he and Xi “talked a lot about Taiwan” during their formal and informal exchanges on Thursday and Friday.

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“I think we’ll be fine,” Trump said. “He doesn’t want to see a war.”

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