Why Taiwan remains central to US-China tensions

Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to press US President Donald Trump to halt arms sales to Taiwan during their meeting in Washington this week. Beijing regards Taiwan as its most sensitive core interest and opposes foreign interference. China claims Taiwan has been part of its territory since ancient times, citing its status as a legacy of the Chinese civil war. Beijing has never ruled out using force, though it prefers peaceful reunification, and has launched major military exercises following past US engagements with the island. Taiwan, a democracy, rejects Beijing's sovereignty claims and maintains it is an independent country. The US officially adheres to the One China policy but is required under the Taiwan Relations Act to provide Taiwan with self-defense means, while maintaining close unofficial ties.