US Cancels Taiwan Meeting, China Reaffirms One-China Principle Amid Trade Concerns

A photograph captures a view of the Taiwan Straits from Xiamen port in Fujian Province, East China.

According to a report in the Financial Times, the US administration canceled a meeting with Wellington Koo, the head of Taiwan's "defense authority," at the last minute in June. This occurred shortly after reports that the US had denied permission for Taiwan's leader, Lai Ching-te, to make a planned transit stop in New York on his way to Central America.

The Financial Times reported that Koo had intended to travel to the Washington area and meet with Elbridge Colby, a high-ranking official at the Pentagon. However, the US called off the meeting, citing unfavorable timing, although other concerns were reportedly involved. Some US officials were worried the meeting could negatively impact US-China trade negotiations. The White House declined to comment on the matter.

The Washington Post reported that the Trump administration has softened its stance toward China, referencing the rejection of the DPP officials' planned trip and the pause in implementing new export controls on China.

During a regular press conference, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun addressed the attempted collaboration between Taiwan authorities and the US, as well as the ongoing China-US economic and trade talks. Guo stated that the one-China principle is a fundamental norm in international relations and a widely accepted international consensus. He emphasized that separatist provocations by the Lai Ching-te authorities would be unsuccessful and would not undermine the international commitment to the one-China principle.

Regarding China-US economic and trade talks, Guo expressed hope that the US would collaborate with China to implement the understandings reached by the two presidents, utilize consultation mechanisms, and foster more consensus and cooperation through dialogue and communication. He emphasized the importance of equality, respect, and mutual benefit to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes and promote the healthy, stable, and sustainable development of bilateral relations.