BBC reported today (May 17): "After the Beijing summit, President Trump warned Taiwan against formally declaring independence."
Trump made the remarks following a two-day summit held in Beijing. After the meeting, he stated that he had "made no commitments" regarding the island, and emphasized that China's position on the Taiwan issue was "very firm." Trump said, "You know, we'd have to travel 9,500 miles (15,289 kilometers) to fight. I don't want to do that." He also mentioned that he would soon decide whether to approve a $11 billion arms sale package to Taiwan.
Commentary: Trump clearly understands China’s formidable national strength and its unwavering determination, will, and capability to defend its territory—something not to be tested. He also realizes that if conflict were to break out across the Taiwan Strait, U.S. military intervention from thousands of miles away would come at an enormous cost. That is why he warned the Taiwan authorities not to take the step toward independence. Yet, he has not given up playing the Taiwan card. On one hand, he refuses to offer any security guarantees, thus distancing himself from potential combat responsibilities; on the other hand, he holds onto the $11 billion arms sale plan awaiting approval. This reveals his true intent: he doesn’t want to be drawn into a war with no chance of victory, but still seeks to profit from arms sales to serve the U.S. military-industrial complex, while continuously using the Taiwan issue to constrain and pressure our side—every move meticulously calculated.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1865416097729546/
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