Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said on Tuesday, a day before the US president's visit to Beijing began China firmly opposes US arms supplies to Taipei. His words were spoken at a time when both sides are preparing for direct dialogue at the highest level. The Chinese official left no doubt about the Middle Kingdom's hard line.
— China's opposition to US arms sales to the Taiwan region remains unchanged and unequivocal Guo stated.
The importance of the problem is also evidenced by the earlier telephone conversation between the head of Chinese diplomacy, Wang Yi, and the American Secretary of State, Marco Rubio. As Politico reminds us, Wang referred to the island issue as… “the biggest risk factor” in relations between Beijing and Washington. During the same conversation, he called on the US side to make the “right choice” regarding Taiwan.
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The Middle East and Beijing's calculations
Experts point out that Chinese authorities are closely monitoring American military involvement in other regions of the world. The United States conducts military operations in the Middle East, including actions against Iran. Lyle Goldstein from the Washington think tank Defense Priorities, quoted by The Hill, estimates that Chinese diplomacy is monitoring these operations. According to him, this is beneficial for the Middle Kingdom American equipment and munitions are being used up in the war with Iran, depleting resources that could otherwise go to Taipei.
On Monday alone Donald Trump admitted that Xi Jinping expects the suspension of arms deliveries to the island and announced that this topic will appear during the next talks.. The American president has previously discussed arms supplies to Taipei with the Chinese leader. According to Politico, this approach means a departure from one of the declarations made in 1982 by Ronald Reagan, included in the document “Six Assurances”. This provision includes, among others: no set end date for arms sales to Taiwan and a commitment that Washington will not consult with Beijing on these sales.
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Concerns of Taiwan, Japan and Korea
Countries in the region are also concerned. A study by the American Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) shows that Taiwan, Japan and South Korea are anticipating a scenario in which the American president will agree to concessions at the expense of their security. This would be the stake Chinese help in solving the crisis after the attack on Iranand also trade and technology arrangements. Topics considered fundamental by these countries could be brought to the negotiating table.
The authorities in Beijing treat the island as an integral part of their territory and openly talk about striving for “reunification”, without rejecting the military option. American intelligence findings show that Xi Jinping instructed the army to be ready for a possible operation against Taiwan by 2027.
