Xi Presses Trump, Will the US Compromise with China on Taiwan?

JAKARTA - US Treasury Secretary (Menkeu) Scott Bessent refused to answer when asked whether US President Donald Trump would compromise with China on Taiwan.

"I'm sure President Trump understands the issues surrounding it and is very firm in his answer, and I'm sure we'll hear more from him in the coming days about it," Bessent said in an interview with CNBC quoted from the Telegraph, Friday, May 15.

When asked directly whether Trump would decide to make concessions, Bessent again avoided the question.

"I'm not going to speak on behalf of the president," he said, adding that Trump "understands the issues involved."

Previously, the topic of Taiwan was discussed during Trump's meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People, Beijing on Thursday, May 14.

In a direct discussion for about 2 hours and 15 minutes, Xi emphasized to Trump that the US should be careful in dealing with the Taiwan issue.

The correct handling of the Taiwan issue, Xi continued, will create continuity in China-US cooperation and regional stability.

"The Taiwan issue is the most important issue in China-US relations. If it is not handled properly, the two countries will experience clashes and even conflicts," Xi said, quoted from the Chinese Foreign Ministry website.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio responded separately by saying that the US position on Taiwan remains the same.

"Our policy on that hasn't changed," Rubio told NBC News.

"This policy is quite consistent in several presidential administrations, and remains consistent until now," he added.