Trump Downplays Taiwan Risks, Aims for Trade Deal
US President Donald Trump said he is confident he can reach a fair trade deal with Chinese President Xi Jinping. He also eased concerns about Taiwan, while acknowledging the issue may be discussed at a meeting on the sidelines of an economic conference in South Korea next week. Meanwhile, major American trading companies have accused Beijing of economic coercion against strategic American companies.
Trade tensions remain high, with disputes over tariffs, technology, and market access lingering ahead of the meeting. Trump spoke during a meeting with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, where the two signed a critical minerals agreement to strengthen America's access to rare earths and other key materials. Trump also pledged to expedite the delivery of nuclear-powered submarines to Australia.
The White House's tone has been mixed. Trump has deemed the risk of a conflict over Taiwan low, but US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer has stressed that Washington will respond to Beijing's broader pattern of economic coercion. He highlighted Chinese sanctions against the US-linked Hanwha Ocean unit, which could disrupt planned shipbuilding cooperation between Seoul and Washington.
Trump said the US position on Taiwan has not changed and that the topic could be discussed. China continues to increase military and diplomatic pressure on democratically governed Taiwan. The United States remains a key backer and arms supplier to Taipei despite the lack of formal diplomatic relations, and Beijing routinely denounces any form of American support.
Key points
Trump optimistic about a trade deal with China
Risk of clash over Taiwan mitigated, but remains on the agenda
Washington calls on Beijing to use economic coercion
US-Australia cooperation on critical minerals strengthened. (asd)
Source: Newsmaker.id
