Xi Jinping calls Trump to talk Taiwan

Beijing wants Washington to know where it’s coming from on Taiwan.

On November 24, Xi Jinping spoke to US President Donald Trump over the phone to discuss Taiwan-related tensions between China and Japan.

ICYMI: China-Japan relations took a turn for the worse earlier this month when new Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi told Japan’s parliament that a “Taiwan contingency” could constitute a “survival-threatening situation” for Japan – potentially triggering the mobilization of its defense forces.

• An infuriated China has launched a series of diplomatic protests and economic countermeasures in response.

During the call, Xi cast the Taiwan question in historical terms (MoFA):

• “China and the US fought side by side against fascism and militarism; now, they should work together to safeguard the achievements of the victory in World War II.”
• “Taiwan's return to China is an important part of the post-war international order.”

Xi also hailed progress in Sino-American ties since his meeting with Trump in South Korea last month:

• “China-US relations have generally remained stable and improved.”
• “Both sides should maintain this momentum…reduce the list of issues, strive for more positive progress, [and] open up new space for cooperation in China-US relations.”

In a Truth Social post, Trump, as ever, focused on trade – making no mention of Taiwan:

• “I just had a very good telephone call with President Xi, of China."
• "We discussed many topics including Ukraine/Russia, Fentanyl, Soybeans and other Farm Products, etc.”
• “There has been significant progress on both sides in keeping our agreements current and accurate.”

There’s more: Just hours after his call with Xi, Trump called Prime Minister Takaichi.

• According to Takaichi, Trump “explained the current state of US-China relations," including his call with Xi (SCMP).

Get smart: There are several ways to interpret Xi’s Taiwan messaging to Trump.

• He may have wanted to ensure that China-Japan tensions do not derail the ongoing Sino-American détente.
• He also may have asked Trump to pressure Japan into backing down, a possibility suggested by Trump’s subsequent call to Takaichi.

The bigger picture: Trump’s glowing assessment of Sino-American relations, even amid Beijing’s spat with a key US ally, will unnerve American security partners in the Indo-Pacific.