A senior national security official said Taiwan will not become a bargaining chip in U.S.-China negotiations following the Thursday, May 14, meeting between President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping (習近平). While China is expected to raise Taiwan in such talks, the official said that the U.S. has repeatedly affirmed its commitment to peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. 

The official emphasized that Taiwan holds a key strategic position and shares mutual interests with the United States and regional partners. As a result, Washington would not trade away a core interest or negotiate Taiwan’s future with Beijing. Taiwan should not view itself as being “on the chopping block” or subject to transactional bargaining, the official added. 

According to Chinese state media, Xi described Taiwan as the most important issue in U.S.-China relations, warning that mishandling it could lead to serious risks. The White House summary of the meeting did not mention Taiwan. However, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio later said Washington’s policy remains unchanged, noting that China routinely raises the issue and the U.S. responds consistently before moving on.

The official said the U.S. goal in the talks is to manage geopolitical risks and prevent conflict, especially in the Indo-Pacific region. Taiwan will continue close coordination with the United States and deepen ties with other partners to safeguard its democratic system and regional stability.