Taiwan tops Xi’s agenda in summit with Trump

Chinese President Xi Jinping has put Taiwan at the top of his agenda for a summit with US President Donald Trump. Xi's move is a departure from their last meeting, where he avoided discussing Taiwan. Wu Xinbo, dean of Fudan University's Institute of International Studies, said the US should not support Taiwan independence to avoid a major war with China. The Chinese foreign ministry stated that Taiwan is China's 'core of core interests' and the 'basis of the political basis of China-US relations.' Trump administration officials have repeatedly said there has been no change in US Taiwan policy, but have approved significant weapons sales to Taiwan. Taiwan is on high alert, watching for any changes in US position on Taiwan Strait issues. China's actions ahead of the summit, including pressuring African countries to block overflight rights for Taiwanese President William Lai's trip, have been strongly criticized by the US. US officials, including American Institute in Taiwan Director Raymond Greene, have offered reassurances that US commitments to Taiwan remain 'rock solid.'