Taiwan Assured of U.S. Support Amidst Trump-Xi Meeting

Taiwan's Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung expressed confidence that U.S. President Donald Trump will not compromise Taiwan's interests in an upcoming meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Despite fears in Taipei about Taiwan being used as a trade deal bargaining chip, Lin affirmed the stability of Taiwan-U.S. relations.

Taiwan Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung expressed confidence on Tuesday in the resilience of Taiwan-U.S. relations, as U.S. President Donald Trump prepares for a crucial meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea.

Concerns have risen in Taipei over Trump's wavering policies on Taiwan amidst trade negotiations with Beijing. Since assuming office, Trump has remained undecided, lending verbal assurances to Taiwan without concrete defense commitments. This uncertainty looms over the upcoming Trump-Xi talks at the APEC summit, with fears of Taiwan's interests being compromised.

Despite these apprehensions, Lin assured that Taiwan-U.S. relations remain strong. Concurrently, Taiwan's participation in the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation forum highlights the island's strategic diplomatic engagements. However, Beijing's increased military activities near Taiwan add tension, as seen recently with a probe into Taiwanese lawmaker Puma Shen by Chongqing police, a symbolic move lacking jurisdictional grounds over Taiwan.

(With inputs from agencies.)