A recent, previously undisclosed phone call between Chinese President Xi Jinping and former U.S. President Donald Trump revealed a starkly worded assertion regarding Taiwan’s future. Xi Jinping directly stated that Taiwan’s “return to China” isn't merely a domestic issue, but a fundamental element of the international order established after World War II.
This declaration represents a significant shift in Beijing’s public stance, rarely articulated with such directness. The conversation, occurring just weeks after a face-to-face meeting in South Korea, appeared to center overwhelmingly on the status of Taiwan, despite also touching on topics like Ukraine, fentanyl, and trade.
The timing of the call is particularly noteworthy, coinciding with a dramatic escalation in tensions between China and Japan. Xi Jinping seemingly sought to secure a public statement from Washington reaffirming China’s position on Taiwan, and signaling displeasure with recent comments made by Japan’s leadership.
Xi Jinping emphasized that China and the United States once stood as allies against fascism, and that both nations share a responsibility to protect the “hard-won outcomes” of the war. This reference was widely interpreted as a pointed message to Japan, a subtle warning against repeating perceived historical errors.
According to Chinese reports, Trump acknowledged China’s significant role in World War II and indicated an understanding of the importance China places on the Taiwan question. He later described the call as “very good,” announcing an invitation to visit Beijing in April, which he accepted, and a planned state visit by Xi Jinping to the United States later in the year.
For decades, China has maintained a “one China” principle, asserting Taiwan as an integral part of the country and opposing any moves towards independence or foreign intervention. Xi’s framing of Taiwan’s ‘return’ as integral to the postwar order signals an attempt to broaden international support for eventual unification.
The call unfolded against a backdrop of escalating diplomatic conflict between China and Japan. A recent statement from a Japanese official suggested potential military intervention should China attack Taiwan, igniting strong condemnation from Beijing.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi responded with unusually strong language, warning Japan against “crossing a red line” and even hinting at revisiting historical grievances related to wartime actions – a departure from decades of diplomatic restraint. This suggests a shift towards more assertive rhetoric as tensions rise.
Analysts suggest China initiated the call with Trump, rather than responding to a U.S. request, indicating a proactive effort to address concerns about escalating tensions with Japan. The diplomatic fallout has already impacted travel, with numerous flights between the two countries suspended and hundreds of thousands of tickets canceled.
The future of the China-Japan relationship, and the broader implications for regional security, remain uncertain. The current crisis highlights the delicate balance of power in the region and the potential for miscalculation as tensions continue to mount.
