Trump, Xi Expected to Discuss Taiwan During Beijing Meeting Next Week

U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are likely to discuss Taiwan during their bilateral meeting in Beijing on May 14 and 15, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said at a White House press briefing. Rubio emphasized that neither the U.S. nor China benefits from destabilizing events in the Indo-Pacific, particularly concerning Taiwan.
Taiwan, a self-governing democracy, faces increasing military pressure from Beijing, which claims the island as part of its territory. The United States remains Taiwan's most significant international backer and arms supplier, a position that has repeatedly drawn strong objections from China.
Rubio stated that Taiwan consistently features in high-level U.S.-China talks due to its strategic and geopolitical sensitivity. He underscored the shared interest in maintaining stability in the region amid growing tensions.
The two leaders will meet in Beijing on May 14 and 15, where discussions are expected to cover a range of bilateral and regional issues, including trade, security, and regional alliances.