Trump-Xi Summit Ends Without Taiwan on the Table

The second Trump-Xi summit concluded without Taiwan being placed on the negotiating table, despite pre-summit concerns that it might become a bargaining chip. The U.S. did not accept Beijing's demands on Taiwan or issue any new joint statement on the matter. China reiterated its request for the U.S. to oppose Taiwan independence, but Washington showed no acceptance of Beijing's position. U.S. Taiwan policy remains protected by the Taiwan Relations Act and the Six Assurances, which a president cannot arbitrarily alter. The summit produced only a two-month trade truce extension, with no breakthroughs on AI, technology controls, or rare earths. The author argues Taiwan should not be misled by narratives of being traded, as its influence operates through ongoing diplomatic channels.