Trump: I Don't Want China to Dictate to Me

The elected President of the United States has suggested that his country might withdraw from the 'One China' policy, which effectively does not recognize Taiwan's independence, if Beijing does not cooperate in other areas. He has also criticized other Chinese policies, including those regarding North Korea. Donald Trump stated in an interview with Fox News on December 21, 'I don't want China to dictate to me.' This comment referred to his phone conversation with Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen, a conversation that has not occurred between a U.S. President or President-elect and the President of Taiwan for decades and was met with formal protests from China. In 1972, the United States accepted the 'One China' policy in the 'Shanghai Communiqué,' although it does not agree with the version presented by Beijing. Consequently, the United States does not officially recognize Taiwan (Republic of China) as an independent country. Many other countries have done the same, changing their embassies in Taiwan to offices that effectively perform the same functions as embassies. Taiwan's policies, currency, passports, and all judicial and military affairs are separate from the People's Republic of China and are managed by an elected government. China describes Taiwan as a 'rebel province' and has consistently reacted to the approaches of other countries. While both sides have not violated the One China policy for years, Trump told Fox News, 'I don't know why we should adhere to the One China policy unless we make a deal with China on other issues, including trade.' He also stated that he had 'not days, but only hours' to decide on responding to the call with Tsai Ing-wen. The elected President of the United States has also criticized other Chinese policies, such as 'manipulating' the value of the yuan, taxes, and constructions in the South China Sea. Trump claims that Beijing has provided 'no cooperation' with the U.S. regarding North Korea. China is one of North Korea's most important allies. Although Beijing has cooperated with some sanctions against Pyongyang following its nuclear and missile tests, many politicians and analysts believe that without Beijing's support, the North Korean government would not survive politically. However, these analyses have their critics who argue that the Chinese government does not control all actions of the North Korean government and that some actions are taken against Beijing's wishes. Since the Korean War in the mid-20th century, the peninsula has been divided into northern and southern parts; Seoul has aligned with the U.S. and the West, while Pyongyang has aligned with China. Despite the criticisms made by the elected President of the United States, Trump has appointed an ambassador to China who reportedly has close ties with Xi Jinping, the President of China. The 'Global Times,' the English-language organ of the Chinese Communist Party, recently stated in an article regarding the appointment of Terry Branstad as Trump's ambassador to Beijing and his good relations with Chinese officials that this matter has 'complicated' the potential approaches and policies towards Washington in the near future. Before this interview, the elected President of the United States had also spoken about the necessity of improving relations between Washington and Beijing.