President Trumps China summit: Letters to the Editor May 19, 2026
History may have repeated itself in the high-stakes meeting with China’s Xi Jinping (“Arms are a wait & Xi,” May 16).At the 2025 Alaska summit, Vladimir Putin systematically dismantled President Trump’s Ukraine peace framework.Now, desperate to spin a victory out of the Strait of Hormuz crisis, Trump seems open to pausing US military assistance to Taiwan in exchange for Beijing’s intervention with Iran.If China intervenes, the White House will likely mischaracterize a reopened shipping lane as Iran “caving” to American pressure.
In reality, Beijing will walk away with the ultimate strategic prize: a freeze on US military assistance for Taiwan.Jim PaladinoTampa, Fla.Xi pretty much drew a line in the sand of Taiwan and under no means was Trump to cross it.Of course, Trump dismissed the seriousness of that issue, but in his and our best interests, it would be wise to leave Taiwan alone.Trump’s hands are full and touching that subject could be disastrous and create confusion, to say the least.Ron ZajicekCortlandtWhile Trump threw bouquets at his good friend Xi, the Chinese leader responded by threatening armed conflict if we choose to defend Taiwan.
And our president said nothing.Can you just imagine if Joe Biden did the same? The Republicans would have a field day.At best, he would be called senile and at worst, a traitor.Bob OryChicagoTrump took a risk in having a China summit in the midst of a festering war on Iran.
The obvious risk was getting no support from China as to the Strait of Hormuz.The bigger but less obvious risk was Taiwan.Xi cornered the president by raising the subject 10 minutes into their meeting, effectively telling Trump to back away from Taiwan.
Trump had no response, despite how essential Taiwan is for the computer chips they make.We’ve induced Taiwan to begin making chips in America, but their facility will take time before it is productive.So much for Taiwan and so much for the summit.Rich KlitzbergBoca RatonTrump see...