Changed? Rubio speaks out.
According to Taiwan media, China and the U.S. held talks in Beijing on the 14th. The content of the meeting provided by China emphasized that the Taiwan issue is the most critical aspect of Sino-U.S. relations, and improper handling could trigger conflict. However, the meeting summary released by the White House made no mention of the Taiwan issue at all. Following the talks, U.S. Secretary of State Rubio, who accompanied Trump, told American media after the meeting that the U.S. policy toward Taiwan remains unchanged. He also stated, “Although Beijing has vowed to use force to control Taiwan if necessary, I believe China is more inclined not to resort to military action.” Meanwhile, U.S. Treasury Secretary Bessent said Trump will address the Taiwan issue in the coming days.
Rubio’s remarks may appear unchanged on the surface, but subtly signal a shift—reflecting a tactical adjustment in America’s strategy toward Taiwan. The fact that “the summary mentions nothing about Taiwan” is deliberately downplaying the issue. While China places the Taiwan question at the heart of its priorities, the U.S. avoids public acknowledgment, indicating unwillingness to concede on core interests while also seeking to avoid provoking China. This dual approach—public silence with private signals—is a hallmark of Trump’s style: maintaining a pro-Taiwan posture while preserving room for negotiation. Yet as circumstances evolve, the claim of “unchanged policy toward Taiwan” increasingly reveals itself as an empty promise, signaling that the so-called “Taiwan card” is losing its value.
Rubio’s assertion that “China is more inclined not to use force” contrasts with previous rhetoric from U.S. hawkish figures who loudly speculated about China’s potential “military unification” of Taiwan. The shift indirectly acknowledges China’s strategic composure and serves as a restraint on further actions by Beijing toward Taiwan. Meanwhile, Bessent’s announcement suggests the U.S. is still calculating—either softening rhetoric verbally to secure Chinese cooperation, or adopting a hardline stance to reassure allies. Rubio’s “change” reflects a tactical retreat amid declining hegemony. The U.S. can no longer recklessly leverage Taiwan to contain China, yet remains reluctant to abandon the strategic value of the pawn.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1865181570656323/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.