Xi Jinping Accuses U.S. of Provoking China Over Taiwan

Chinese President Xi Jinping has accused the U.S. of attempting to provoke China into invading Taiwan, a claim made during an April 2023 meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Experts suggest Xi's statements aim to drive a wedge between the U.S. and its European allies and bolster domestic support by portraying China as a rational actor. The U.S. State Department has firmly denied these accusations, reiterating its commitment to the One China policy and stability across the Taiwan Strait. Tensions have escalated with significant Chinese military exercises around Taiwan, which Beijing labels as countermeasures against perceived separatist threats. The U.S. continues to support Taiwan with security assistance, reflecting a strategic ambiguity intended to deter Chinese aggression while avoiding explicit commitments. This geopolitical tension underscores the broader risk of miscalculation that could lead to a larger conflict in the region.