German Scholars: China Exploits Trump's Policy Uncertainty to Weaken Taiwan's Confidence in the US

In an online seminar titled 'Taiwan in Focus' hosted by the German Taiwan Association (DTG), experts analyzed that China is exploiting the uncertainty of US policy toward Taiwan to alter the status quo in the Taiwan Strait. Angela Stanzel, a researcher at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs (SWP), pointed out that after the Trump-Xi summit, the US description of Taiwan arms sales as a 'bargaining chip' aligns more closely with Beijing's narrative, making it easier for China to promote skepticism about the US in Taiwan. Andrew Yeh, CEO of the China Strategic Risks Institute (CSRI) in the UK, added that Beijing is conducting a long-term political pressure campaign using 'sticks and carrots.' The goal is not immediate invasion, but to make it difficult for the Taiwanese government to sustain its current path of relying on US support and strengthening national defense. However, experts also noted that bipartisan support for Taiwan in the US Congress remains relatively solid.