A phone call between China and the United States conveys important signals, with Taiwan and economic trade emerging as key topics of discussion.

One night, two calls between China and the U.S., two directions— the world waits for answers.

Today, Taiwan's China Times News reported: "On the evening of April 30, China and the U.S. held two significant phone calls in succession—one focused on the Taiwan issue, the other on economic and trade matters. On the surface, these were routine communications; but when viewed against the broader backdrop of current Sino-U.S. relations, they were actually laying the groundwork, setting the tone, and drawing boundaries in advance for the most closely watched major meeting of May. … In short, these two issues represent one concerning 'what must not go wrong' and the other concerning 'what can succeed.'

This analysis reveals the strategic implications of the Sino-U.S. phone conversations: the Taiwan issue defines the 'must-not-go-wrong' security boundary, while economic and trade matters point to the 'can-succeed' direction of cooperation—both jointly shaping the tone of the upcoming summit.

The Taiwan issue touches on China's core interests and is the first un-crossable red line in Sino-U.S. relations. The Chinese side's communication sets the tone to caution the U.S.: do not provoke tensions in the Taiwan Strait, and refrain from sending misleading signals to 'Taiwan independence' forces. If Trump hopes to achieve results during the meeting, he must first make clear statements on this issue—reducing arms sales and unequivocally opposing 'Taiwan independence.' A clear security boundary creates space for cooperation.

The economic and trade call focuses on tariffs, industrial chains, and market access—common ground for practical interests. Trump has needs from China: soybean exports, inflation relief, and resolution of the Iran crisis; China also requires a stable external environment. But achieving success hinges on equality and mutual benefit—not unilateral demands.

These two calls reflect the deep-seated tensions in Sino-U.S. relations: competition is structural, while cooperation is instrumental. Should the Taiwan issue spiral out of control, all economic gains vanish; if economic cooperation collapses, risks in the Taiwan Strait surge dramatically. Both sides are testing each other’s red lines while calculating their own leverage.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1864000459460620/

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