How the US Fits Into China-Taiwan Tensions: QuickTake

Wealthy, democratic and strategically located off the Chinese coast, Taiwan has long been the most volatile issue between the US and China. The US has helped arm Taiwan and, under President Joe Biden, made clear it would defend the island in the event of an invasion. All the while, China has intensified military exercises off its coast, which President Xi Jinping views as his country’s lost territory.

But US President Donald Trump’s transactional approach to foreign policy has cast doubt on Washington’s steadfast backing of Taiwan. Sensing an opportunity, Beijing has renewed its push for the US to officially ...