Taiwan Strait diplomacy centers on managing one of the world’s most sensitive flashpoints without formal US-Taiwan diplomatic ties.
The United States follows a longstanding One China policy, maintains unofficial relations with Taiwan through the American Institute in Taiwan, and is bound by the 1979 Taiwan Relations Act to provide defensive arms so Taiwan can maintain a self-defense capability. Washington also opposes any unilateral change to the status quo by force or coercion. China regards Taiwan as a core sovereignty issue and a “red line,” insisting the United States stop arms sales and official contacts that it sees as encouraging independence.
Beijing has not ruled out the use of force. At the September 24, 2026 Trump-Xi summit in Washington, Taiwan is again a central topic. Xi Jinping is expected to press for a halt or further delay of a pending $14 billion US arms package. President Trump previously described that package as a “very good negotiating chip” after their May meeting in Beijing and has not yet approved it, while a record $11 billion package was authorized in late 2025. US officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, have repeatedly stated that overall policy toward Taiwan has not changed.
Taiwan’s government has thanked the United States for continued support and said it maintains close contact with Washington on security matters. Air incursions by Chinese military aircraft have declined in 2026 compared with prior years, but Chinese coast guard and official vessel activity around Taiwan has increased, including regular patrols east of the island that analysts view as gray-zone pressure.
