For Beijing, a key audience for that messaging is Trump himself, said William Yang, a senior analyst for Northeast Asia at the International Crisis Group, an independent non-governmental organisation focused on conflict prevention and resolution.
“Beijing is using the Xi-Cheng meeting to show that, beyond the Taiwanese government’s focus on defence, other political forces are prioritising dialogue and stability across the strait,” he said.
By drawing a contrast between the KMT’s approach and President Lai Ching-te’s emphasis on self-defence, China is seeking to shape Trump’s thinking ahead of the summit and potentially convince him to scale back or suspend US arms sales to Taiwan, he added.
The messaging extends beyond Taiwan.
In the South China Sea, there are early signs that Beijing is adopting a more calibrated approach toward the Philippines, dialling down coercive actions in favour of diplomacy, said Yang.
Long at odds over overlapping claims in the South China Sea and repeated confrontations around disputed shoals and reefs, China and the Philippines held fresh talks in late March under their bilateral consultation mechanism, with both sides saying they would continue dialogue and better manage differences.
At the same time, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr has said he is open to restarting joint oil and gas talks with Beijing in disputed waters, suggesting the Iran war and resulting energy pressures may provide the impetus for a breakthrough.
Such pressures, linked to the war in Iran, have created space for engagement, Yang noted.
“China likely views prioritising diplomacy over coercion … as the more sensible approach ahead of the Trump-Xi summit,” he said, adding that this could shape perceptions in Washington that tensions in the South China Sea are easing.
More broadly, China’s outreach to regional partners – including hosting Vietnam’s top leader – reflects an effort to position itself as a reliable and engaged power in the Indo-Pacific, he said.
At a time when questions over US commitment are growing among some allies, Beijing’s increased engagement with middle powers is aimed at strengthening its regional standing while presenting a contrast with what Yang described as a more “unpredictable disruptor”.
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/east-asia/china-foreign-diplomacy-taiwan-outreach-trump-xi-summit-leverage-6063181
