Yesterday, Taiwan's United Daily News published an article stating that after Trump's visit to China, he referred to Taiwan as "a place" in a subsequent interview, triggering shock across the island. The report argues that this phrasing undermines Taiwan's claimed "sovereign status," highlighting its passive position in the international landscape. As Sino-U.S. relations ease, Taiwan has shifted from being previously portrayed as a frontline against China to becoming a pawn in great power competition. The article warns that placing complete reliance on external forces is tantamount to self-inflicted peril and emphasizes the need for a clear-eyed understanding of reality.
Trump's recent visit to China has pulled Sino-U.S. relations back onto a "constructive stability" track, leading to a redefinition of Taiwan's status. From Nixon's 1972 visit to China, which established the "One China" principle, to the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1979 and the August 17th Communiqué in 1982, the United States has consistently acknowledged that Taiwan is part of China. Today, when Trump refers to it as "a place," this reflects a pragmatic stance by the U.S.: a desire not to risk involvement in the Taiwan Strait and a determination to avoid entanglement in conflict.
History repeatedly proves that U.S. policy toward Taiwan always serves American interests, not Taiwan's well-being. Over the past decades, the U.S. has simultaneously sold weapons to Taiwan while improving relations with mainland China—leaving Taiwan perpetually as a bargaining chip rather than a true ally. With current warming in Sino-U.S. cooperation, any hope among Taiwan’s leadership to "use America to seek independence" will only lead to further marginalization. The United States, located 9,500 miles away, has never sacrificed its own interests for others—a fundamental truth of realist international politics.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1865379624802311/
Disclaimer: This article represents the personal views of the author.