Opinion | Xi and Trump Are Attempting to Stabilize Ties by Policy Towards Taiwan

Chinese President Xi Jinping executed a high-stakes diplomatic synchronization on Feb. 4, holding a phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump and a video conference with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the same day.

The dual exchanges, marking the start of the lunar spring, appear designed to temper Washington's volatility while simultaneously cementing the Sino-Russian partnership.

According to strategic analysts, the maneuvers signal that Beijing has regained the diplomatic initiative against a backdrop of escalating international instability.While the Trump administration pursues aggressive resource acquisition policies and renewed tensions with Venezuela and Iran, Beijing is positioning itself as a counterweight to "safeguard the international system with the United Nations at its core."

Stabilizing Ties with Washington

In his call with President Trump, Xi outlined a roadmap for stability, proposing a step-by-step accumulation of mutual trust to make 2026 a year of "mutual respect and peaceful coexistence."

"Both sides should act in accordance with our consensus... managing differences properly and expanding pragmatic cooperation," Xi said. （Related： Why Taiwan's Central Bank Refuses to “Only Watch Inflation” ｜ Latest ）

Trump reportedly responded with a willingness to strengthen cooperation and respect China's concerns regarding Taiwan, signaling a potential thaw in relations.This culminated in the confirmation of a scheduled visit by Trump to China in April, though specific dates for a reciprocal visit by Putin remain vague.

A 'Drone Carrier' of Diplomacy?

Observers note that Xi's "Head of State Diplomacy" reflects a profound shift in China's global standing. A recent wave of visits to Beijing by leaders from Ireland, Canada, Finland, and the U.K. has been characterized by international media as a "diplomatic fever."

However, analysts suggest this influx is less about China's inherent allure and more a reaction to the "Trump Doctrine."As the U.S. withdraws from international obligations and strains traditional alliances, Beijing has opportunistically positioned itself as a stabilizing alternative for global governance.

The Taiwan Variable

Regarding Taiwan, Xi delivered a sharp warning during the call.

"The Taiwan question is the most important issue in China-U.S. relations," Xi said, adding that "the U.S. side must handle the issue of arms sales to Taiwan with caution." （Related： Why Taiwan's Central Bank Refuses to “Only Watch Inflation” ｜ Latest ）

Trump's pledge to maintain stable relations coincides with a notable shift in Pentagon messaging.The Department of War's 2026 "National Defense Strategy" emphasizes deterrence through strength but omits specific mentions of Taiwan—a move interpreted by analysts as a concession to pave the way for Trump'svisit to China in April.

Taipei's Response and Risks

Responding to the call, Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te asserted on Feb. 6 that trilateral relations remain stable.

Speaking at the Presidential Office, Lai cited "four no changes: the reality of non-subordination between the Republic of China and the People's Republic of China; U.S. commitments under the Taiwan Relations Act; collective defense cooperation; and "rock-solid" Taiwan-U.S. ties

However, analysts view Lai's assertions as domestic messaging disconnected from geopolitical reality. Unlike the Biden administration, Trump has refrained from explicit defense guarantees and has previously demanded "protection money" from Taipei.

With the 2026 National Defense Strategy omitting Taiwan and tariff negotiations unsettled, critics argue the Lai administration risks becoming a bargaining chip.

"If Trump cannot extract economic concessions from Beijing, he may place Taiwan on the negotiating table as a trade-off," one strategic analysis noted.

"Relying on ideological slogans while losing tangible leverage leaves Taiwan vulnerable in a transactional era."

*The author is a university professor and senior media professional. （Related： Why Taiwan's Central Bank Refuses to “Only Watch Inflation” ｜ Latest ）