A Diplomatic Full-Court Press from Beijing on Taiwan

Beijing has launched a diplomatic full-court press against Taiwan, and its primary target is now the United States. The Chinese government is aggressively lobbying the Trump administration to adopt a new, harsher stance on the island’s status, specifically by declaring its “opposition” to Taiwanese independence.
This move is the culmination of a long-term campaign by China to isolate Taiwan. Having already picked off most of Taiwan’s formal diplomatic allies and increased its military pressure, Beijing is now going after the island’s most important supporter: the United States.
The demand to shift U.S. language from “do not support” to “oppose” independence is the centerpiece of this full-court press. It is a calculated attempt to force the U.S. to abandon its policy of “strategic ambiguity” and align itself with Beijing’s territorial ambitions.
The offensive is timed to coincide with major U.S.-China trade talks and a planned presidential summit. China is clearly using its economic leverage to achieve its political goals, putting the Trump administration in the difficult position of having to weigh competing priorities.
The success or failure of this diplomatic press will have huge consequences. If the U.S. concedes, it will be a massive victory for China and a devastating blow to Taiwan. If the U.S. holds firm, it will be a powerful affirmation of American resolve and a setback for Beijing’s aggressive strategy. The game is on, and the stakes are incredibly high.