U.S. Senator Warns Wavering on Taiwan Could Spur Beijing to Use Force

U.S. Republican Senator Steve Daines said on October 1 that the U.S. and China should not fully decouple but should reduce conflict risk through continued engagement and communication, while warning that any wavering in Washington's Taiwan policy could prompt Beijing to consider military action. Daines, viewed as a key bridge in U.S.-China relations and the only senator invited to a state dinner during the Trump-Xi meeting, said the summit's main significance was stabilizing and easing bilateral ties rather than resolving specific issues, noting limited substantive outcomes. He emphasized that face is important in Chinese culture and that President Trump's courteous treatment of President Xi likely reassured Beijing. Daines advised maintaining consistent and firm U.S. policy on Taiwan, warning that perceived American retreat could encourage military thoughts in Beijing.