Dear Focus Reader,

This week, China's Vice Premier He Lifeng held talks with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, where he expressed China's frustration over the U.S.' tariff policies, warning that continued economic pressure could damage the broader trade relationship. The two leaders also addressed various crucial issues, including intellectual property, the semiconductor industry, and key technological sectors. But despite tensions, and in a potentially positive sign of ongoing dialogue, they agreed to maintain communication moving forward as well.

Meanwhile, in another critical area of contention straining bilateral relations, U.S. lawmakers from both parties recently introduced a resolution expressing support for Taiwan, intensifying tensions between Washington and Beijing. The resolution states that the U.S. should resume normal diplomatic relations with Taiwan, negotiate a bilateral free trade agreement with the island, and support Taiwan's membership in international organizations, all directly challenging Beijing's position that Taiwan is part of China. Chinese officials have repeatedly warned that any actions that appear to support Taiwan's independence threaten its territorial integrity and destabilize cross-strait relations.

China also has expressed strong discontent over the Trump administration's removal of a key statement on the State Department's website that previously affirmed the U.S. "does not support Taiwan independence." Beijing condemned the move, arguing that it severely undermines the "One China" policy and emphasizing the significance of maintaining clear messaging on the issue of Taiwan's status.

However, despite some support from Congress and the administration, negotiations between top officials from Washington and Moscow over ending the war in Ukraine have raised concerns in Taiwan, where many draw parallels between Russia's Ukrainian invasion and China's aims toward the island. The discussions have been conducted without the direct involvement of Ukrainian officials, which Taiwan worries sets a concerning precedent.

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