Taiwan’s Relationship with the U.S. Amid Growing U.S.-China Tensions

HONG KONG — On Thursday, Taiwan’s President highlighted the firm relationship between Taiwan and the United States, describing it as “rock solid.” This statement came after Chinese President Xi Jinping reiterated China’s territorial claims to Taiwan in a conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump. According to reports from China about the conversation on Wednesday, Xi also cautioned Trump against U.S. arms sales to Taiwan, indicating that the issue could gain more prominence in U.S.-China relations, shifting from being on the periphery for months.

Despite the absence of official diplomatic ties between the U.S. and Taiwan, similar to most other countries, Beijing has vowed to control Taiwan by force if deemed necessary. However, the U.S. remains Taiwan’s most significant international supporter and is legally committed to providing defensive weapons to the island. “Taiwan–U.S. relations are rock-solid and our various cooperation projects will continue without change,” stated Taiwan President Lai Ching-te. He further emphasized that U.S. commitments to Taiwan remain unchanged, despite its long-standing role as a contentious issue in U.S.-China relations. Since President Trump’s return to office, Taiwan had not been prioritized as the two largest global economies engaged in a trade war.

Lev Nachman, a political science professor at National Taiwan University, noted that the recent Trump-Xi call marks a potential shift, suggesting that Taiwan might become a focal topic during Trump’s anticipated visit to China in April. “I think Taiwan needs to be prepared,” Nachman said, forecasting more discussions about Taiwan from both the U.S. and China in 2026.

In December, the U.S. announced its largest arms sales package to Taiwan, valued at over $11.1 billion. As expected, China opposed these sales, and President Xi urged Trump to approach the matter with “prudence.” According to the Chinese government’s summary of the call, Xi underscored Taiwan as a crucial issue in U.S.-China relations, asserting that Taiwan would not be permitted to separate from China.

Trump described the call with Xi as “long and thorough,” wherein they discussed multiple topics, including trade, Taiwan, the Russia-Ukraine war, Iran, and Chinese purchases of U.S. oil, gas, and agricultural products. “The relationship with China, and my personal relationship with President Xi, is an extremely good one, and we both realize how important it is to keep it that way,” he stated.

This recent exchange marked the first public contact between Trump and Xi since their last phone call in late November. Trump’s summary of that November call omitted any mention of Taiwan. Previously, the two leaders met in person in October during a regional summit in South Korea, agreeing to a one-year trade truce. Post-meeting, Trump mentioned that Taiwan had not been discussed.

According to Nachman, even though the emphasis in U.S.-China relations is evolving, it does not necessarily mean that Taiwan, a key producer of advanced semiconductor chips vital to modern technology, should be alarmed. “I think Trump is keenly aware of how important Taiwan is to the United States’ current economic growth, and I don’t think he would do anything to put that in jeopardy,” he explained.

Nachman also views the “open communication” between Trump and Xi concerning Taiwan as a positive aspect. “At the very least, this should hopefully minimize misunderstandings and misinterpretations that happen from a lack of speaking to each other,” he added.

Jennifer Jett, the Asia Digital Editor for NBC News, is based in Hong Kong.