President Donald Trump’s casual mention of bargaining with China’s Xi Jinping on Taiwan weapons sales has drawn immediate fire from a key U.S. lawmaker. Ro Khanna, the Indian-origin Democrat and ranking member of the House committee scrutinizing U.S.-China strategic rivalry, branded the idea ‘deeply troubling’ and antithetical to decades of American assurances.
Speaking out on Tuesday, Khanna dissected Trump’s statement, which implied future coordination with Beijing on arming Taiwan. This flies in the face of the Six Assurances—pivotal pledges from the Reagan era that include no prior consultation with China on Taiwan’s defensive needs. ‘Such discussions would contradict our established policy,’ Khanna stressed, calling on Trump to publicly recommit to these principles.
The Taiwan Relations Act underpins this framework, obligating the U.S. to equip Taiwan against potential threats post-1979 diplomatic shift to Beijing. Khanna’s intervention spotlights how Trump’s words could signal weakness, potentially destabilizing the region where U.S. credibility is paramount.
Diving deeper, the Six Assurances comprise commitments like not mediating between Taiwan and China or pressuring Taipei to negotiate. Khanna’s role on the select committee positions him at the forefront of countering Chinese influence, making his voice influential in shaping congressional responses.
As U.S.-China competition intensifies, Taiwan’s fate hangs in balance. Lawmakers across the aisle share Khanna’s alarm, viewing Trump’s rhetoric as a misstep that invites miscalculation. The White House now faces pressure to issue a firm statement restoring confidence in its Taiwan policy.
This episode illustrates the high-wire act of diplomacy in Asia. Khanna’s pointed criticism not only challenges the administration but also rallies support for bolstering Taiwan amid rising threats. With military drills around the island escalating, clarity from Washington is more crucial than ever.