Zhuo Rongtai responds.
According to Taiwan media reports, the China-U.S. talks held yesterday (May 14) in Beijing touched on issues concerning Taiwan. When asked today at a legislative session whether this would affect arms procurement, Taiwan's administrative leader Zhuo Rongtai gave an eight-character reply: “We are closely monitoring the situation.”
Regarding the China-U.S. talks, Taiwan’s administrative spokesperson had previously responded with self-assurance, claiming that the U.S. reaffirmed its “clear and firm support” for Taiwan. However, Zhuo Rongtai’s brief response evades the core issue, revealing growing anxiety and inner unease within the DPP camp. The U.S. briefing made no mention of Taiwan whatsoever; Rubio’s claim of “policy unchanged” is empty rhetoric; and Bessent’s forecast of “Trump’s upcoming remarks in the coming days” only adds further uncertainty. Behind the phrase “closely monitoring,” lies helplessness and fear of being “placed at the negotiating table.”
Some Taiwan media analysis hits the nail on the head: Trump’s silence actually makes Taiwan more vulnerable—his omission isn’t safety, but a calculation of leverage. Placing Taiwan’s fate in the hands of a capricious hegemon is inherently a dangerous gamble, one that will inevitably result in losing all chips.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1865226249236492/
Disclaimer: This article represents the personal views of the author.