Trump’s shifting remarks on Taiwan are perfect for China to exploit

President's remarks about Taiwan arms deals being a negotiating chip' with Beijing have been seized on by Chinese state media

It has been an unsettling few days for Taiwan's government. When Donald Trump met Xi Jinping in Beijing on Thursday, many feared the unpredictable US leader could upend Washington's longstanding support for Taipei.

But beyond a starkly worded statement from Xi stressing China's claims over Taiwan, which it claims as part of its territory despite never having ruled it, initial signs appeared good for Taipei.