President Trump's early foreign policy actions, emphasizing land deals and annexation, have sparked anxiety in Taiwan regarding China's intentions toward the island. Experts warn that Trump's rhetoric can embolden Chinese leader Xi Jinping, particularly in light of Taiwan's historical significance and increasing military pressure from Beijing. As tensions rise, there are fears that Trump and Xi may use Taiwan as a bargaining chip in broader negotiations, undermining the principle of territorial integrity.
Trump's rhetoric is doing China's work for it in Taiwan, said Ryan Hass, a China and Taiwan expert at the Brookings Institution.
With each statement by Trump that degrades the principle that territorial boundaries must not be redrawn by force or coercion, propagandists in Beijing likely are giving each other high-fives.
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