Xi pushes US to 'oppose' Taiwan self-rule

Beijing sets sights on major diplomatic win

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A man poses for a picture near a caricature of Mount Rushmore, depicting world leaders US President Donald Trump, Chinese President Xi Jinping, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and Russian President Vladimir Putin, which is on display to promote a fair at a shopping mall, in Bangkok, Thailand, on Thursday.

(REUTERS)

Chinese President Xi Jinping is renewing a push for the US to change a decades-old phrase describing its stance on Taiwan independence, a concession that would be a major diplomatic win for Beijing.

China has asked US President Donald Trump's administration to officially declare that it “opposes” Taiwan independence, according to a person familiar with the matter, who asked not to be identified discussing private information.

The suggested wording is stronger than the Joe Biden administration’s previous statement that US officials “do not support” the self-ruled island seeking formal independence, and would add to China’s campaign to isolate Taiwan on the world stage. The Wall Street Journal first reported the request.

The Trump administration has not made a decision regarding the demand, and it's one in a long list of asks from the Chinese side under consideration, according to a separate person familiar with the matter, who asked not to be identified as the information is private. A State Department fact sheet on US ties with Taiwan is currently unavailable on its website.