By Liu Zhun
At a press conference on Friday, US President Barack Obama brought up some basic foreign policy concepts to enlighten his successor Donald Trump. "The idea of 'one China' is at the heart of their conception as a nation," Obama said. "This goes to the core of how they see themselves, and their reaction on this issue could end up being very significant." Obama suggested that Trump should think through the consequences before he wants to "upend this understanding."
Trump greatly rocked diplomatic protocol by hinting he might challenge the one-China principle, a foundation for all China's diplomatic ties with other countries. His appalling and "unpresidented" statement has raised many eyebrows even among traditional US allies.
French foreign minister Jean-Marc Ayrault said Trump's handling of the Taiwan question was "not very clever." Australia promised it wouldn't change its policy in relation to one China despite Trump's stance. Germany also committed itself to the one-China policy.
As an entrepreneur, Trump must be adept at bargaining, and fully aware of the business norm that no compromise comes with a breach of either party's bottom line.
His irresponsible and provocative remark, on the one hand, could be a continuation of his anti-establishment and unconventional posture, by which he made it to the Oval Office, and on the other hand, is used to put out feelers to test Beijing's determination and resilience to hold its ground in face of major challenges, which might earn Trump some leverage if China sways.
It is for sure that China won't engage in any kind of cooperation with any country that denies or forsakes the one-China policy. There are no priorities ahead of national unity and sovereign integrity on China's national and international agendas. That Taiwan is part of China has formidable support.
China's restrained but pertinent response, such as downplaying the impact of Trump's words and arranging some active moves in the South China Sea recently, must have declared its resolution in defense of its core interests. Trump should face the fact that even at the pinnacle of its strength, the US was not powerful enough to force any country to surrender its core interests, not to mention the current situation.
Trump must understand that although he is committed to making America great again, he cannot make even the first step without forging a steady and beneficial relationship with China, its biggest trading partner, main creditor, and a major power it needs to solicit support from in dealing with international affairs. It is hoped that Trump, after he officially comes to power, will deal with China as reasonably as he is a successful businessman and as wisely as if he is a savvy head of state.
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