Taiwan’s opposition casts doubt on ‘rock solid’ US ties ahead of Xi-Trump summit

Deputy communications director for Taiwan's main opposition party has cast doubt on the strength of US-Taiwan ties, citing recent reports that US officials have requested Taiwanese officials to scale back their visits to Washington. The report, which emerged as US President Donald Trump prepared to host Chinese leader Xi Jinping for a summit in Washington, suggests that the US administration is prioritizing its own interests over those of Taiwan.

US arms sales to Taiwan, estimated to be worth $14 billion, have been awaiting Trump's approval for months, and the island's opposition seized on these developments to question the strength of the relationship. Taiwanese Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung's recent assertion that "Taiwan's interests are America's interests" was criticized as "naive and wishful thinking."

The opposition party's criticism comes amid concerns that Taipei may be relying too heavily on Washington, and analysts suggest that the upcoming summit between Xi and Trump may not produce a major deal over Taiwan but will focus on managing differences and establishing boundaries to prevent conflict.