Taiwanese President: We are not a bargaining chip between America and China
Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te a firm political message to the major powers, asserting that his country should not be treated as a "bargaining chip" in the complex trade and political negotiations between the United States and China. These remarks come at a sensitive time, amidst heightened diplomatic and military activity in the region.
Taiwan's stance on US-China rapprochement
In a recent interview, the Taiwanese president clarified that the United States does not need to use Taiwan as leverage in its talks with Beijing. Lai stated, "There is no need for the United States to treat Taiwan as a bargaining chip in any discussions with China." This statement reflects deep concerns among Taipei's political elite that realpolitik or major trade deals between Washington and Beijing could marginalize the interests of the democratic island.
Despite these warnings, Taiwan cautiously welcomed the recent phone call between US President Donald Trump and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping . The Taiwanese leadership believes that open communication channels between the two nuclear powers could help reduce tensions and prevent miscalculations that could lead to open military conflict in the Taiwan Strait.
Geopolitical context and strategic importance
These statements gain significance from the complex historical and geopolitical context of the region; China considers Taiwan an integral part of its territory and has vowed to annex it, by force if necessary. In contrast, the United States, under the Taiwan Relations Act, is obligated to provide the island with means of self-defense, despite the absence of formal diplomatic relations.
Taiwan's importance extends beyond the political sphere, encompassing immense global influence thanks to its semiconductor . Taiwan, and specifically TSMC, produces the vast majority of the world's advanced electronic chips, making its stability vital to national security and the global economy—a kind of "silicon shield" that protects the island from marginalization or easy compromise.
Continued military pressure
In a related development, Taiwan's Vice Foreign Minister Chen Ming-chi indicated that Taiwan is not concerned about the US-China dialogue itself, but rather views it as a stabilizing factor. He told AFP, "We believe the call will contribute to stabilizing the situation, especially as China continues to escalate tensions in the Taiwan Strait and throughout the region.".
This comes at a time when Beijing is increasing the pace of its military maneuvers and aircraft incursions into Taiwan’s Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ), keeping the region on constant alert and anticipating any changes in the international balance of power.
