China’s Foreign Ministry Calls Taiwan Core Issue, Urges US to Keep Commitments Before Summit

China’s top diplomat reiterated that Taiwan sits at the heart of Beijing’s core interests and underpins the political framework of its relationship with Washington. The statement came during a regular news briefing in Beijing, where spokesperson Lin Jian was asked about speculation that Taiwan would dominate the agenda of the U.S. president’s planned visit to China.

Lin emphasized that the United States must respect the “one‑China principle” – the policy that there is only one China, with Taiwan part of it – and the three joint communiqués that have guided China‑US dialogue since the 1970s. He framed these obligations as “international duties” that any U.S. administration must fulfill to sustain stable, sound and sustainable bilateral development.

The foreign ministry highlighted that 183 nations have formal diplomatic ties with China based on the one‑China principle, underscoring the global consensus behind Beijing’s stance. Lin also used the briefing to press Paraguay, one of the few remaining countries maintaining official contacts with Taiwan, to switch recognition to China.

By positioning Taiwan as a non‑negotiable element of its national unity, China signals that any deviation by the United States could jeopardize the upcoming summit between the two heads of state. The summit, expected later this month, is billed as a chance to reset a relationship strained by trade disputes, technology bans and strategic rivalry in the Indo‑Pacific.

What this means for policymakers is a clear warning: U.S. leaders will be measured against past promises on Taiwan, and any perceived slackening could limit diplomatic progress at the summit. For observers, the next weeks will reveal whether Washington adjusts its language or actions to align with Beijing’s expectations, setting the tone for future engagement across the Taiwan Strait and beyond.