A Calculated Call Amidst a Cautious Thaw
In the complex arena of global diplomacy, Chinese President Xi Jinping has just drawn a firm line in the sand. During a highly anticipated phone call with former US President Donald Trump, Xi unequivocally reasserted China’s unshakeable claim over Taiwan. This direct communication comes at a critical juncture, testing the limits of the fragile thaw that has recently characterized China-US ties.
Following years of escalating trade wars and sharp rhetoric, relations had seen a tentative improvement. High-level visits to Beijing by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen aimed to stabilize the relationship and establish “guardrails” against miscalculation. This de-escalation was a welcome development for global economic stability. However, Xi’s conversation with Trump serves as a stark reminder that some issues remain non-negotiable for Beijing.
The “Core of the Core Interests”: Xi’s Red Line on Taiwan
While the full scope of their discussion remains private, sources confirm that President Xi left no room for ambiguity on Taiwan. For the Chinese Communist Party, Taiwan is not a secondary issue; it is the “core of the core interests” and the ultimate red line.
By directly stating this position to the man who could potentially lead the US once again, Xi is sending a powerful message to both the current Biden administration and its potential successor. The signal is clear: while improved communication is welcome, it will not alter Beijing’s fundamental stance on what it considers its sovereign territory. This strategic move ensures China’s position on Taiwan remains at the forefront of the US political consciousness, regardless of who occupies the White House.
Implications for the Indo-Pacific and India
From New Delhi’s perspective, this development is watched with keen interest. India is intimately familiar with China’s assertive territorial claims and its use of “red line” rhetoric along the Himalayan border. Xi’s firm stance on Taiwan is a familiar playbook, underscoring a strategic reality for Indian diplomats: dialogue with China is crucial, but it must be grounded in a clear understanding of their non-negotiable positions.
The stability of the Indo-Pacific, a cornerstone of India’s foreign policy, is intrinsically linked to the Taiwan issue. A conflict in the Taiwan Strait would disrupt vital sea lanes, destabilize the entire region, and have catastrophic economic consequences. This is why India, alongside its Quad partners (US, Japan, and Australia), continues to advocate for a free and open Indo-Pacific. Xi’s call is a reminder that the region’s most dangerous flashpoint remains active, irrespective of the diplomatic temperature between Washington and Beijing.
The Trump Factor in US-China Relations
Donald Trump‘s involvement adds another layer of complexity. His first term was defined by an unpredictable China policy that veered from punishing tariffs to public praise for President Xi. His re-engagement now, as a leading presidential candidate, signals that the thaw in China-US ties could face future turbulence.
For Beijing, this call is an opportunity to state its case directly to a key American political figure. For the rest of the world, it suggests that the future of the most important bilateral relationship of the 21st century is far from certain.
Ultimately, the call between Xi and Trump is a powerful reality check. While high-level meetings can de-escalate tensions, they cannot erase fundamental geopolitical disagreements. The US-China thaw is real, but it rests on a thin layer of ice. Underneath, the deep currents of contention—with Taiwan at their very center—continue to flow.
