US allies reinforce ties with Trump ahead of Xi summit

13:59

By: Azzat Manal

US allies reinforce ties with Trump ahead of Xi summit

US allies in the Indo-Pacific moved to reinforce their ties with Washington this week as President Donald Trump prepared to host Chinese President Xi Jinping at the White House, putting regional security, economic competition and Taiwan high on the diplomatic agenda.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi met Trump on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on September 22, just two days before the planned US-China summit in Washington. The roughly 35-minute meeting focused on strengthening the Japan-US alliance and coordinating approaches toward China, particularly on economic security, semiconductors, artificial intelligence and critical minerals.

Takaichi emphasized the increasingly challenging security environment in Asia and the importance of demonstrating the strength of the bilateral alliance. The two leaders also discussed efforts to strengthen the alliance's deterrence and response capabilities, while reaffirming cooperation on economic and strategic issues.

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung also met Trump in New York, with the discussions covering a range of strategic projects and security issues. According to South Korean officials, the talks included cooperation in shipbuilding, discussions surrounding nuclear-powered submarines, the possible transfer of wartime operational control of South Korean forces, and Seoul's broader security relationship with Washington.

The meeting also addressed efforts to create conditions for renewed dialogue between Washington and Pyongyang. Lee has continued to advocate for engagement with North Korea, while emphasizing the importance of maintaining a strong US-South Korean security partnership.

In Taiwan, officials have reiterated their intention to remain closely coordinated with Washington on the implementation of US arms deliveries. Taipei has consistently regarded American security assistance as an important element of its defense planning, while also pursuing its own programs involving submarines, aircraft, missiles and other military capabilities.

Taiwan has become one of the most sensitive issues in US-China relations. Beijing considers the island part of China and opposes US arms sales to Taipei, while Washington maintains unofficial relations with Taiwan and has long provided defensive equipment under US law. Ahead of the Trump-Xi meeting, Reuters reported that Xi is expected to press Trump to halt or reduce American arms sales to Taiwan, invoking the 1982 US-China joint communiqué.

The issue comes as Taiwan continues to expand its military preparations. The island recently conducted joint exercises involving attack drones and conventional weapons, reflecting its efforts to adapt its defense capabilities to changing forms of warfare.

For Washington's regional partners, the Trump-Xi summit therefore carries implications beyond the immediate US-China relationship. Trade, technology, critical minerals, artificial intelligence and Taiwan are all expected to feature prominently as the two governments seek to manage competition while avoiding a broader deterioration in ties.

The meetings with Takaichi and Lee underscore how closely US allies are watching the outcome of the Washington summit. While Japan and South Korea are strengthening their respective cooperation with Washington, Taiwan is seeking continued implementation of its defense agreements, leaving the handling of these issues among the key questions surrounding Trump's talks with Xi.