Opinion: Will US Trade Taiwan for TikTok and Tariffs?

Geopolitical Landscape - China's President Xi Jinping is reportedly pushing President Trump to oppose Taiwan independence, potentially a major diplomatic win for Beijing amidst trade negotiations [1] - A shift in US policy on Taiwan could damage Washington's reputation as a reliable partner in the Indo-Pacific region, impacting Japan, Korea, and Southeast Asian countries [5][6] - The US maintains a policy of strategic ambiguity towards Taiwan, adhering to the one-China principle while maintaining unofficial relations and arms sales, which China opposes [7][8] Taiwan's Position - Taiwan is being squeezed internationally by China and domestically regarding legislative priorities [9][10] - Taiwan is leveraging its semiconductor industry ("Silicon Shield") in diplomacy, as seen in its dealings with South Africa, highlighting the island's strategic importance [8][12] - President Trump has urged Taiwan, along with other regional countries, to increase defense spending [10] US-China Relations - US-China relations are defined by "tick tock" (TikTok), tariffs, and Taiwan, with Taiwan at the geopolitical heart of the matter [3][4] - China's ultimate goal is unification with Taiwan, either peacefully or by force, making it a key point of negotiation with the US [4] - The US seeks a trade deal and has maneuvered on TikTok, while China prioritizes resolving the Taiwan issue [4]