While calling for a ceasefire in Ukraine and Gaza, China’s military has frequently intercepted US warships and aircraft traveling freely near Taiwan. Against this backdrop of mounting tensions, Taiwan matters in the Biden-Xi meeting. Even though this scenario is not remotely possible, China continues to put pressure on the US through military drills around Taiwan. Nonetheless, China’s sovereignty claim over Taiwan and the US’ involvement in Taiwan are separate yet interrelated matters. The key lies in Beijing’s rhetorical reference to the use of peaceful and coercive means to resolve the Taiwan question.

Source: Taipei Times November 10, 2023 16:53 UTC