Overview

• Reporting attributed to The Wall Street Journal says Xi will press Trump to declare that the United States opposes Taiwan’s independence, a shift from the long‑stated position of not supporting independence.
• Trump and Xi are expected to meet at an economic summit in South Korea next month, with a Trump trip to Beijing likely in early 2026 and a subsequent Xi visit to the White House.
• The Trump administration this summer blocked more than $400 million in military aid to Taiwan, delayed other assistance, and refused President Lai Ching‑te a U.S. transit stop during ongoing trade negotiations.
• A State Department spokesperson reiterated opposition to unilateral changes to the status quo and called China the greatest threat to peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, while China’s embassy said it opposes any official U.S.–Taiwan exchanges or military ties.
• Separate reports cite leaked documents and Western intelligence alleging Russian training and equipment deals to bolster Chinese airborne capabilities potentially relevant to an assault on Taiwan.