Taiwan has stated that it does not want any "surprises" during the meeting later this week between President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, where the island is a particularly sensitive topic.
Taiwanese Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung said that Taiwan is confident in its ties with the U.S., but is somewhat wary of any unexpected developments.
"Of course, we hope that the Trump-Xi summit does not produce any surprises regarding Taiwan-related issues," Lin said, according to Reuters.
According to the Taiwanese news agency Central News Agency, the foreign minister added that Taiwan "should be concerned, but not overly worried," as reported by the Turkish news outlet Anadolu.
China views Taiwan as Beijing's territory and has publicly stated its ambitions to reassert control over the island, potentially through the use of force.
The U.S. has maintained a policy of strategic ambiguity regarding the island, neither recognizing its full independence nor China's claims.
Former President Biden repeatedly stated that the U.S. would send troops to defend the island if China invaded. Trump has been less explicit on the issue of U.S. intervention.
Xi is expected to use trade talks with Trump to pressure the U.S. to change its position on Taiwan.
The war in Iran is also casting a shadow over the talks, with China quietly providing support for Iran's war against the U.S. and Israel.
The meeting, scheduled for Thursday and Friday, was postponed due to the Iran war, which began more than two months ago. The president plans to visit Beijing even as progress on a deal with Iran appears to be faltering.
The Chinese and American presidents are expected to focus on issues including access to American technology and Trump's efforts to encourage China to purchase American products like Boeing jets. China's position regarding the American fentanyl crisis, artificial intelligence, and China's claim on Taiwan are also significant issues for the summit.
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