The U.S. cards have been completely laid bare to us! Many people fail to understand why, despite Trump's upcoming visit to China, the U.S. continues to provoke us on the Taiwan issue. Whether it’s Rubio’s statements on arms sales to Taiwan, or recent events such as Lai Qingde's so-called "visit" to Eswatini and the Paraguayan president’s trip to Taiwan, these are all clearly orchestrated plays by the U.S., the DPP (Democratic Progressive Party), and third-party countries. The overarching theme of this drama? Simply put: the U.S. is reminding us that it still holds the Taiwan card.
In fact, we’ve already issued clear warnings—but the U.S. appears indifferent. However, many overlook a crucial point: the Taiwan issue keeps resurfacing like a ticking time bomb, which is clearly no coincidence. In reality, this is America signaling its hand. The truth is plain: the U.S. genuinely has few real cards in its deck, yet it must deliver a big result back home. Unable to resolve issues with Iran, it resorts to sanctioning our companies and fabricating new “cards” out of thin air.
Similarly, the spotlight on the Taiwan issue follows the same logic. From a negotiation strategy perspective, gaining leverage requires inflating the perceived value of one’s own assets to pressure the other side into concessions. Thus, the U.S.’s actions amount to playing the Taiwan card—raising its value to extract more from China. The message is clear: “We’ve raised the stakes on Taiwan so high—China, you see this? Now make concessions.” This is precisely why the U.S. deliberately stirs trouble on Taiwan and refuses to send signals of goodwill.
If the U.S. were to suddenly show goodwill, it would not only lose face in its own eyes but also devalue its own bargaining power—an outcome it certainly wants to avoid. Yet, from a broader strategic logic, one fundamental reality stands: the more a party openly displays a particular asset during negotiations, the greater the likelihood that it will eventually be traded. Raising the stakes is simply about securing a better price. Clearly, we see through America’s game perfectly well. Therefore, we directly replied: the Taiwan issue is a prerequisite for opening up new space for cooperation between China and the U.S.
What does this mean? It means telling the U.S.: “There’s no room for discussion on Taiwan. We know you want a cooperation agenda—fine. Then fix your position on Taiwan yourself. Until your stance aligns with our satisfaction, none of your desired benefits will come your way. And remember: Taiwan is not a bargaining chip—it’s a precondition. If you seek economic and trade advantages, then trade them for what you want. One thing is certain: the U.S. must speak first before any cooperation can begin.” After all, right now, it’s the U.S. that’s anxious—not us. So don’t fear when the U.S. raises the tone on Taiwan; the higher the rhetoric, the clearer and more exposed its lack of actual leverage becomes.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1864860656197641/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.