Taipei — President-elect Donald Trump’s declaration that the US could link its policy on Taiwan to trade negotiations with China prompted concerns the island may become a pawn in wider superpower discussions. Johnny Chiang, an opposition Nationalist MP, said Trump regularly mentioned Taiwan. "What advantage is this giving Taiwan? This is something we must consider. Otherwise, among the superpowers, when we are betrayed, we won’t even realise it." Trump told Fox News on Sunday he fully understood the "one China" policy, "but I don’t know why we have to be bound by a ‘one China’ policy unless we make a deal with China having to do with other things, including trade". On Saturday, Chinese military aircraft had flown over waterways near Taiwan as part of long-range exercises, Taiwan authorities said. The exercises came a week after Trump took a congratulatory phone call from Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen. It was the first such contact between a US president-elect or president and a Taiw...

Subscribe now to unlock this article.

Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).

There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.

Cancel anytime.

Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.