Asian allies fear Trump may trade Taiwan support for China deal

US allies across Asia are increasingly worried that the Trump administration may use Taiwan as a bargaining chip in negotiations with China, potentially softening Washington's longstanding commitment to the self-governed island.

The concern has grown as Trump prepares for discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping, with regional governments concerned that economic and trade considerations could take precedence over traditional security commitments in the Indo-Pacific.

The uncertainty reflects deeper anxieties among Asian capitals about the direction of US foreign policy under Trump's second term. Taiwan, which sits at the centre of US-China tensions, represents a critical test of American reliability in the region, particularly given the island's strategic importance to global supply chains and regional stability.

For Malaysia and other Southeast Asian nations, Taiwan's security situation carries direct implications, as any shift in the balance of power could destabilise the broader region and complicate existing geopolitical arrangements. The coming weeks will prove crucial in determining whether Trump's approach prioritises strategic partnerships or pursues Beijing-focused deals that could reshape the regional order.

Beijing has long sought to isolate Taiwan diplomatically and militarily, and any perceived weakening of US support could embolden more assertive actions by China.