Rubio says US and China seek to avoid Taiwan destabilisation
Updated
Updated · Bloomberg · May 5
Rubio says US and China seek to avoid Taiwan destabilisation
12 articles · Updated · Bloomberg · May 5
At a White House briefing, the US secretary of state said Donald Trump and Xi Jinping are expected to discuss Taiwan when they meet next week.
Rubio said Beijing understands Washington's position and the US understands China's, adding neither side wants destabilising events in Taiwan or the wider Indo-Pacific.
The remarks signal an effort to lower tensions around Taiwan before the leaders' meeting and frame the issue as a shared regional stability concern.
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In April 2026, a tense phone call between U.S. Secretary of State Rubio and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi highlighted Taiwan as the greatest risk to U.S.-China relations, with China demanding U.S. prudence and adherence to commitments. This comes amid rising military pressure from China following a large U.S. arms sale to Taiwan in late 2025, which triggered Chinese military exercises simulating a blockade. The upcoming May summit between Presidents Trump and Xi is critical, with China seeking U.S. commitments against Taiwan independence while the U.S. balances strong defense support with mixed signals. Meanwhile, global tensions, including U.S. actions in the Middle East and disputes over Panama Canal ports, strain U.S. resources and complicate regional security, giving China strategic leverage. Regional allies increase military readiness, but delays in U.S. arms deliveries and political divisions in Taiwan add to the fragile and volatile situation.