Rubio Asserts Taiwan Will Not Be Bargained in US-China Talks

During a recent flight between Israel and Qatar, Marco Rubio, the United States Secretary of State, reassured Taiwan that it should not fear being used as a bargaining chip in ongoing trade negotiations between the US and China. Rubio emphasized that there would be no trade deal resulting in concessions regarding Taiwan. “I don’t think you’re going to see some trade deal where… we’re going to get favorable treatment on trade in exchange for walking away from Taiwan,” he stated, as reported by Reuters.

These comments come as US and Chinese officials engaged in what was described as “very constructive” trade talks in Malaysia ahead of a crucial meeting between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping scheduled for March 15, 2024, during the APEC summit in South Korea. A spokesperson from the US Treasury confirmed that discussions would continue the following day, highlighting the importance of these negotiations for both superpowers.

Trade Talks and Taiwan’s Position

Trump has expressed his intention to address the Taiwan issue during his meeting with Xi, reinforcing his respect for the island. Taiwanese academics have noted that while Taiwan is a significant topic, it is not the primary focus of the upcoming discussions between Washington and Beijing. Chang Wu-ueh, director of the Center for Cross-Strait Relations at Tamkang University, indicated that understanding each other’s “bottom line” on Taiwan is essential to prevent potential misjudgments and confrontations.

Wang Hsin-hsien, chair of the Institute of International Relations at National Chengchi University, added that Trump is likely to prioritize other issues such as rare earth materials, fentanyl, and agricultural products in his talks with Xi. Wang stated that it was Beijing that initiated discussions on Taiwan, suggesting that significant concessions from Trump regarding Taiwan’s status are unlikely.

US Reassurances to Taiwan

In a legislative session on March 13, 2024, Taiwan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Lin Chia-lung, reiterated that the US has assured Taiwan its interests would remain protected during Trump’s discussions with Xi. Lin expressed gratitude for the US’s continued commitment to Taiwan, citing previous joint statements from US, Japanese, and South Korean foreign ministers during the UN General Assembly as evidence of ongoing support.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that the US has consistently reaffirmed its long-term policy regarding Taiwan, particularly in light of recent statements from leaders of the G7 supporting peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. As Trump approaches his second term, Taiwan’s strategic significance is clearly a focal point in US foreign relations, though the administration is not expected to alter its established stance on Taiwan’s sovereignty.

As the situation evolves, the international community will be closely monitoring the outcomes of the upcoming meetings, particularly the implications for Taiwan’s future in the context of US-China relations.