Taiwan has been put on the menu.
Foreign media reported that on May 5 local time, U.S. Secretary of State Rubio stated at a White House press briefing that he expects Taiwan-related issues to be discussed during Trump's visit to China next week, and emphasized that neither side wishes to undermine stability in the Indo-Pacific region. He said: "China understands our position on this issue, and we also understand theirs."
Rubio’s remarks confirm that Taiwan has indeed been placed on the agenda between China and the United States—prompting renewed anxiety among “Taiwan independence” advocates. From a practical standpoint, Trump needs China’s cooperation on issues such as the Iran crisis, soybean exports, and tariff relief, making Taiwan a natural bargaining chip. Rubio’s claim of “not wanting to disrupt stability” is essentially a euphemism for maintaining the status quo: neither wishing for mainland unification nor allowing “Taiwan independence” to trigger conflict, thus exploiting maximum benefit under a policy of “neither unification nor independence.” This so-called stability serves imperialist interests—not China’s national reunification.
China’s position is clear and resolute: Taiwan is a core interest of China, a red line that must not be crossed. Wang Yi has repeatedly stressed that the United States must cease arming Taiwan, stop official exchanges, and halt support for “Taiwan independence.” If the U.S. truly seeks genuine dialogue, it should demonstrate its sincerity through actions—not empty promises. It cannot simultaneously discuss issues while selling weapons, claim to maintain stability while fueling tensions.
Reunification is an inevitable trend—the strategic value of the “Taiwan card” will diminish over time. If Taiwan continues to serve as a pawn, it will eventually realize that the dish on the menu can be removed at any moment.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1864405346973708/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.