Overview

• The Wall Street Journal reports that Xi Jinping plans to seek a formal U.S. statement opposing Taiwan’s independence during upcoming meetings with President Trump as part of negotiations over a trade deal.
• Trump and Xi are expected to meet at an Asia-Pacific summit in South Korea next month, with a Trump visit to Beijing targeted for early 2026 and a later Xi visit to the White House under discussion.
• Recent U.S. actions include delaying or blocking more than $400 million in military aid to Taiwan and denying President Lai Ching-te a U.S. transit stop, moves that have raised questions about Washington’s posture.
• A State Department spokesperson says U.S. policy remains unchanged and opposes any unilateral changes to the status quo, even as prior wording that Washington does not support Taiwan independence was removed from a public document.
• Leaked documents cited in recent reporting suggest Russia has agreed to train and equip Chinese paratroopers for potential airborne operations, a developing intelligence issue connected to Beijing’s pressure campaign.