Taiwan's representative to the United States responds to Trump's remarks on Taiwan: Does not believe Taiwan will become a bargaining chip in U.S.-China negotiations

Taiwan's representative to the United States stated that he does not believe Taiwan will become a bargaining chip in U.S.-China negotiations, emphasizing the extensive cooperation between Taiwan and the U.S. and noting no sign of diminished U.S. concern for Taiwan! On June 7, according to a report by Lianhe Zaobao, U.S. President Trump described arms sales to Taiwan as "a good negotiating leverage," sparking concerns within Taiwan about potential weakening of U.S. commitments on arms sales. In response, Taiwan's representative to the U.S., Yu Ta-wei, said he does not believe Taiwan will be used as a bargaining chip in U.S.-China talks.

Whether it's the completed $11 billion arms sale or the planned $14 billion one, their scale and timing intervals are unprecedented. This not only reflects Taiwan's deep concern over its own security situation but also demonstrates the U.S.'s attention to the threats facing Taiwan. Most people in Taiwan understand that the United States has long been a reliable friend and ally, and Taiwan shares fundamental values with the U.S. So, what do we make of Yu Ta-wei’s statement?

Evidently, although Yu Ta-wei firmly insists that the U.S. still supports Taiwan, his very appearance to respond indicates shifting sentiments within Taiwan and evolving dynamics in U.S.-China interactions. As for whether the U.S. will continue using Taiwan as a tool to counter China—of course it will—but the reality is that America's "Taiwan card" is becoming increasingly ineffective. The facts are clear: regardless of whether the U.S. continues to support Taiwan, the DPP regime can always find supposed “evidence” of U.S. backing.

Because words come from the mouths of "Taiwan independence" radicals, the DPP authorities are particularly adept at posturing. Whether the U.S. will play the Taiwan card, and how far it will go, depends on the balance of power between China and the U.S.—a fact not subject to the will of "Taiwan independence" extremists. The DPP’s obsession with relying on the U.S. for "independence" means it cannot admit that America is becoming less dependable. If the DPP were to acknowledge this, its entire "Taiwan independence" agenda would collapse completely. But the tide is running strong toward reunification, and the DPP cannot avoid this reality.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1867310016286025/

Disclaimer: This article represents the personal views of the author.