INTERNACIONAL
Taiwan analysts say Trump-Xi summit produced no policy shift but real test lies ahead
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TAIPEI — Taiwanese officials were watching carefully for signs of policy changes toward the island as President Donald Trump hosted Chinese President Xi Jinping for a state visit last week in Washington D.C.
Xi’s visit was of high interest in Taiwan, a regular target of China’s threats. On Saturday, a panel that included scholars, a retired U.S. military officer, and Taiwan’s deputy foreign minister at the Institute for National Policy Research (INPR) in Taipei assessed what the third Trump–Xi meeting of Trump’s current term means for Taiwan. Most expect no change in U.S. policy toward Taiwan.
«Both of them got what they want and what they need,» Kuo Yu-jen, INPR’s vice president and a professor at National Sun Yat-sen University’s Institute of China and Asia-Pacific Studies, told Fox News Digital. Trump can point to economic results from negotiating with Xi, while Xi can return to Beijing with the prestige of a high-profile U.S. reception, Kuo said. He called claims by some that Trump had «sold out» Taiwan excessive speculation.
XI PRAISES US STATE VISIT ‘PERFECTION’ AS TRUMP CALLS MEETINGS ‘VERY PRODUCTIVE’
China’s President Xi Jinping arrives to welcome President Donald Trump at the Great Hall of the People, Thursday, May 14, 2026, in Beijing. (Mark Schiefelbein/AP Photo)
As expected, Xi reportedly pressed Trump to say the United States opposes Taiwan independence. Washington’s preferred description is that it does not support Taiwan independence, a distinction that, much to the relief of Taiwan government officials, Trump maintained.
Speaking exclusively to Fox News Digital after the forum, Taiwan’s Deputy Foreign Minister François Wu said Beijing wants more than a change in diplomatic language. It wants the world to view Taiwan as a domestic Chinese issue. If that argument succeeds, Wu said, Beijing could claim other countries have no right to respond to its actions against the island.
Taiwan’s Deputy Foreign Minister François Wu speaks at the Institute for National Policy Research (INPR) in Taipei on Sept. 26, 2026. (Eryk Michael Smith for Fox News Digital)
«The so-called independence of Taiwan is just an issue made specifically by the Chinese government,» Wu said. Taiwan already has a president and government elected by its people, territory and its own currency, he said. «We just don’t need to declare any independence. We are a sovereign country.»
Wu had expressed concerns prior to Trump’s visit to China in May, when he told Bloomberg that «What we are most afraid of is to put Taiwan on the menu of the talk between Xi Jinping and President Trump.»
China’s Foreign Ministry claims Xi urged Trump to maintain the «correct position» to oppose Taiwan independence. Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry rushed out an objection on a public holiday in Taiwan, and repeated Taiwan’s own clear position on its sovereignty.
CHINA DEPLOYED OVER 100 VESSELS NEAR TAIWAN IN THE WAKE OF TRUMP-XI SUMMIT, TAIWAN SECURITY OFFICIAL CLAIMS
Soldiers pose for group photos with a Taiwan flag after a preparedness enhancement drill simulating the defense against Beijing’s military intrusions, ahead of the Lunar New Year in Kaohsiung City, Taiwan on Jan. 11, 2023. (Daniel Ceng/AP Photo)
The White House summary of Xi’s visit announced no change in Taiwan policy and instead emphasized more favorable tariff treatment for US$30 billion in goods in each direction, an AI incident communication channel and U.S. concerns about rare earth and critical-mineral supplies.
The visit nonetheless raised questions in Taiwan about what Xi might have obtained from Trump in private. Analysts cautioned that if there was a deal over Taiwan, it would only become clear in the coming months. Taiwan awaits Trump’s approval for more arms sales, visits to Taiwan by senior U.S. officials and a potential transit stop in the U.S. for Taiwan’s president. China objects to all of these, so how Trump handles them must balance relations with China, maintaining support for Taiwan and Trump’s priorities.
Dong Li-wen, executive director of the government-funded Foundation on Asia-Pacific Peace Studies, described the leaders’ shared approach as delaying difficult decisions while waiting for circumstances to change. For Xi, Dong argued, that is a longer-term strategy. For Trump, it is a temporary tactic. The two sides can keep talking and set aside issues they cannot settle, but their underlying competition remains.
The argument over Taiwan’s status is almost 80 years old. China claims the island as its territory, but the People’s Republic of China has not governed it for even a single day. The Republic of China government relocated to Taiwan after the Chinese Nationalists lost the civil war to Mao Zedong’s Communists in 1949.
President Donald Trump suggested Monday that U.S. arms sales to Taiwan could factor into broader negotiations with China, drawing a swift response from Taiwan’s president and reigniting debate in Washington over the future of longstanding U.S. policy toward the island. (Ann Wang/File Photo/Reuters)
The governing Democratic Progressive Party’s 1999 Resolution on Taiwan’s Future described Taiwan as an independent sovereign state called the Republic of China under its existing constitution. All of Taiwan’s democratically elected presidents have said something similar in interviews with international media, including Lee Teng-hui to The Washington Post in 1997, Chen Shui-bian to the BBC in 2010, Ma Ying-jeou to CNN in 2010, and Tsai Ing-wen to the BBC in 2020. Current President William Lai Ching-te said the same thing to Time in 2024, adding an oft-repeated insistence that the Republic of China and the People’s Republic of China are not subordinate to each other.
That status quo — which amounts to Taiwan being a de facto independent state — is what Taiwan intends to defend, according to Deputy Foreign Minister Wu. Xi left Washington having restated China’s demands. Analysts at the gathering said whether Xi managed to nudge U.S. policy in any way will soon be tested in decisions over arms sales and other issues, with some predicting weapons packages could be scaled down or «unbundled.»
Speaking separately to Fox News Digital, Ross Darrell Feingold, a political analyst and assistant professor at Tamkang University’s Department of Diplomacy and International Relations, noted that with a local election in Taiwan this November, followed by presidential and legislative elections in January 2028, Taiwan’s domestic politics could also be a factor in U.S. decisions. «Although the U.S. is likely to back President Lai’s re-election; agreeing to arms sales, visits by Trump administration officials or Lai’s desired transit stop in the U.S. will need to be balanced against coming across as too blatantly interfering in Taiwan’s election, as well as the inevitable anger from China».
taiwan, xi jinping, donald trump, china, foreign policy
DENVER — Democrats are already making their case for 2028.
Fresh off sweeping midterm victories, party leaders and rising stars descended on Denver for the «What’s Next» conference. Several potential presidential contenders tested their 2028 messaging before a crowd of activists, strategists and operatives.
The conversations offered an early look at who may be considering a run and who is already stepping aside.
Less than 24 hours after announcing a challenge to longtime Senate Democratic leader Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., told reporters he was «no longer pursuing» a presidential bid.
SCHUMER’S LEADERSHIP RIVAL REVEALS MAJOR SENATE RULE CHANGE HE’D PURSUE IF ELECTED
«I believe that the size and scale of these majorities, provides an opportunity for the United States Senate to answer the call of the American people,» Van Hollen told reporters in Denver, as he pointed what will be at least a 55-seat Democratic majority in the chamber.
Van Hollen’s comments came as Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., weighed whether to make another run for the White House in 2028.
Booker said he is giving «a lot of hard thought» to a potential 2028 presidential campaign, though he said his focus now is pushing for what he called an «American renewal.»
«My purpose right now, I want to see America in the next five years have the biggest renewal, the biggest resetting of the economic table so it works for all Americans,» Booker told Digital.
He pointed to the cost of housing, healthcare and childcare as evidence that many Americans are struggling to get ahead. «The gap I’m concerned about is not the gap between left and right anymore, it’s a gap between the American people and the American dream, and I want to see that gap close,» he said.
Asked what he might do differently if he ran again after his unsuccessful 2020 campaign, Booker said candidates should be «their authentic self.» He also warned that political divisions are pulling the country apart, saying, «We are not each other’s enemies. We are our fellow patriots. And we all need to start pulling in the same direction.»
While Van Hollen ruled out a presidential bid, former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, a 2020 Democratic candidate, told reporters in Denver he would not have «any news to make about that anytime soon.»
Even so, Buttigieg has not ruled out another run.
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, fresh off of major victories in his home state, said, «I’ve decided to be a loud voice in this process that we’re going through right now as a party to put ourselves in the best position to compete.»
When asked about his 2028 timeline, Shapiro said «that would be a personal decision my wife and my kids and I make.»
«When we’re ready to say something, we’ll let you know,» he added.
Sen. Elissa Slotkin of Michigan told reporters that she was «seriously» considering a 2028 presidential run.
«I haven’t made any decisions. Whether it’s me or somebody else, I just want to be a part of that next generation of leaders going forward that does things differently and understands who they serve,» she added.
Pointing to a new crop of Democrats elected in the midterms, Slotkin said «we had an amazing election night that elected a whole bunch of new folks who represent that.»
Meanwhile, Sen. Ruben Gallego of Arizona said his young family will be a major consideration in his decision.
«I have three kids, nine, three and a one-year-old. You know, it’s hard to manage that schedule and I have to figure out how to still be a good dad and run for office,» he said.
«If I run I’ll probably be the only one that has kids that age that doesn’t necessarily come from a lot of money. So I’m going to have to figure all that out,» he added.
THE MISTAKE NEWLY ELECTED DEMS ADMIT THEY CAN’T AFFORD TO MAKE WITH TRUMP AFTER SWEEPING 2026 WINS
Sen. Raphael Warnock, D-Ga., who has not said whether he will seek the 2028 nomination, used his speech at «What’s Next» to argue Democrats can build a winning coalition across the country.
«In America, all things are possible,» he said, pointing to Democratic victories from New Hampshire to Mississippi.
California Rep. Ro Khanna said he is «certainly considering» a 2028 presidential run but has not made a decision.
Khanna, one of the few leaders on the progressive left attending a conference organized by a centrist Democratic group, added «I think after the reception here, I’m, more likely to consider it. I mean, but I’m going around the country seeing whether the message will resonate.»
Asked about his timetable, Khanna told Digital, «I think starting next year people will be running.»
«Imagine this, we’ve had three 80-year-old presidents in a row and suddenly you’re going to have a new generation on both sides. I think that’s fantastic for this country,» he said. «I’m excited about some of the people if I do run who would be competitors. It’s going to be great. It’s going to showcase America’s talent.»
With no clear frontrunner in sight, the Denver conference offered an early look at Democrats testing their messages and weighing whether to seek the party’s nomination.
politics, cory booker, democrats senate, democrats elections, elections
INTERNACIONAL
El presidente Arévalo descarta destituir al ministro de Gobernación y mantiene su respaldo tras la masacre en Zacapa
El presidente Bernardo Arévalo descartó destituir al ministro de Gobernación, Marco Antonio Villeda, tras el ataque armado ocurrido este viernes en Zacapa, que dejó al menos cinco muertos y un hombre secuestrado. El mandatario sostuvo que las fuerzas de seguridad analizan una respuesta para el departamento y que el funcionario mantiene su respaldo.
Las autoridades investigan el secuestro de Keneth Estuard Pacheco Perdomo, de 35 años, y el Ministerio de Gobernación desplegó personal en apoyo al Ministerio Público en la zona. Arévalo indicó que los cuerpos de seguridad estaban reunidos para evaluar lo ocurrido: “En este momento están reunidos analizando lo sucedido en el departamento de Zacapa el día de hoy”.
El presidente defendió la gestión de Villeda con datos acumulados durante el año: una reducción del 44 % en las extorsiones, 41 capturas de personas requeridas en extradición, el desmantelamiento de 58 bandas criminales y la aprehensión de 966 integrantes de pandillas. También mencionó el uso reciente de drones en operativos de la Policía Nacional Civil.
El ataque en El Tocino y las víctimas sin identificar
La masacre ocurrió cerca de la 1:10 en el caserío El Tocino, de la aldea La Majada, en el municipio de Zacapa. Un grupo de hombres armados, con uniformes de diseño camuflado, cascos y pasamontañas, llegó en unas diez camionetas agrícolas.
Una mujer que presenció el ataque relató que los agresores preguntaron a gritos por su esposo, Pacheco Perdomo. Los hombres lo localizaron poco después y se lo llevaron hacia un destino desconocido.
Cuatro hombres y una mujer murieron en el lugar. Tres de las víctimas fueron encontradas dentro de un microbús con múltiples impactos de bala, mientras que otra apareció junto a una motocicleta abandonada cerca de un río, donde fueron recolectados indicios balísticos.
Tres mujeres resultaron heridas por disparos y fueron trasladadas a un centro asistencial. La PNC informó que, cuando los agentes llegaron al sitio, fueron recibidos con disparos que impactaron al menos ocho veces contra una patrulla, sin policías heridos.
La identidad de la mayoría de los fallecidos no había sido confirmada oficialmente y se desconocía el paradero de Pacheco Perdomo. Arévalo no confirmó si se abrió una línea específica para determinar una posible relación entre el secuestro y el asesinato del diputado Julio César Portillo Paz, y remitió esa pesquisa al Ministerio Público.
Tres matanzas en menos de dos meses
El ataque se produjo después de otras dos matanzas registradas en menos de dos meses en el departamento. El 6 de noviembre, el diputado Julio César Portillo Paz, de 36 años, murió junto a tres agentes de su escolta en una emboscada en el kilómetro 137 de la ruta al Atlántico, en Río Hondo.
Portillo, legislador de la Unidad Nacional de la Esperanza, contaba con protección policial luego de que una evaluación de riesgo realizada en 2024 detectara amenazas de muerte en su contra. Villeda afirmó que aún no existían elementos para establecer si el crimen tuvo un móvil político y que esa conclusión dependerá de la investigación del Ministerio Público.
A finales de septiembre, ocho personas murieron en otra masacre en el municipio vecino de Huité. El caso permanece bajo reserva judicial e incluye averiguaciones sobre la eventual presencia de integrantes del Ejército en el área durante los hechos.
Las autoridades consideran a Zacapa un territorio relevante para las operaciones del crimen organizado. Medios internacionales han relacionado a la región con la estructura criminal de la familia Lorenzana, señalada como socia del cartel mexicano de Sinaloa.
Arévalo reconoció que el escenario representa un “momento preocupante”, aunque defendió el desempeño general de las instituciones de seguridad. “Tenemos un problema efectivamente de violencia que tenemos que entender y que tiene ciertos puntos específicos en donde estamos poniendo toda la atención”, afirmó.
El mandatario dijo que los operativos deben responder a las características de los delitos en cada zona y no aplicarse de manera uniforme en todo el país. Sobre el aumento de homicidios frente al año anterior, sostuvo que forma parte de una fase de “contención” con variaciones mensuales: “Ahorita estamos un poco más alto que el año pasado, el mes entrante a lo mejor vamos a estar debajo”.
Medidas bajo análisis para la región
La posibilidad de declarar un estado de sitio en Zacapa está bajo evaluación en la mesa de seguridad del Gobierno. Villeda había planteado el miércoles esa alternativa, mientras que Arévalo evitó anticipar los detalles de las decisiones operativas.
“Habrá medidas que en su momento serán anunciadas”, dijo el presidente. Ante la consulta sobre una eventual salida de Villeda del Ministerio de Gobernación, respondió: “No”, y luego añadió: “Porque no creo que sea necesario. Creo que el ministro está haciendo un trabajo”.
Lawrence Bernstein,Guatemala,conferencia de prensa,oratoria
INTERNACIONAL
Anti-Trump Republican courts other defectors as House weighs another vote against Iran war
EXCLUSIVE: House Republicans and Democrats are preparing another effort to challenge President Donald Trump’s military operations in Iran, with lawmakers signaling that additional Republicans could break with the president and support a War Powers resolution.
Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., told Digital that another Iran War Powers resolution could come to the House floor «in the next few legislative days» or around Christmas.
This would mark the fourth attempt this year to restrict Trump’s military actions against Iran.
«I’m offering Republicans a life boat from MAGA,» Massie told Digital, expressing optimism that more members of his party could join the effort.
7 REPUBLICANS REBEL AGAINST TRUMP, VOTE WITH DEMS TO REIN IN IRAN WAR POWERS
House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers, R-Ala., told Digital that he would oppose the resolution but acknowledged that «Massie has been having conversations with members» in an effort to secure additional Republican support.
Rep. Jeff Van Drew, R-N.J., echoed Rogers’ assessment, suggesting that «one or two» additional Republicans could join Massie and the Democrats who previously supported the measure.
SWING-DISTRICT REPUBLICAN BREAKS WITH TRUMP, PUSHES LIMITS ON IRAN WAR
Reps. Tom Barrett, R-Mich., Warren Davidson, R-Ohio, and Brian Fitzpatrick, R-Pa., previously voted in favor of an Iran War Powers resolution.
Barrett told Digital on Thursday that he would maintain his support if the new resolution mirrors the previous legislation.
«My position would be consistent for it,» Barrett said.
However, Barrett expressed skepticism that additional Republicans would join the effort, noting that few members appeared willing to shift their positions during the previous vote.
GOP HOLDS WITH TRUMP ON IRAN WAR, BUT CRACKS EMERGE AS DEADLINE NEARS
Massie also acknowledged uncertainty over whether he could secure more Republican votes, criticizing his party’s continued support for Trump’s military operations.
«Congress is paralyzed,» Massie told Digital, accusing Republicans of remaining «still in the suicide pact with this administration.»
TRUMP SUFFERS RARE HOUSE DEFEAT AS BIPARTISAN VOTE MOVES TO WITHDRAW TROOPS FROM IRAN CONFLICT
House Democrats, meanwhile, expressed optimism that Republicans’ losses in the 2026 midterm elections could encourage more GOP lawmakers to break with Trump’s foreign policy agenda.
«If they’re listening to the people that sent them here, yes,» Rep. Ayanna Pressley, D-Mass., told Digital when asked whether additional Republicans could support the effort. «That’s what they should do.»
Rep. Rosa DeLauro, D-Conn., also expressed confidence that more Republicans could join the effort, saying she «thinks they would.»
Meanwhile, Rep. Adelita Grijalva, D-Ariz., suggested that Republicans may feel less pressure to remain aligned with Trump following the midterm elections — especially as many prepare to leave Congress and others hunker down to serve in the minority.
«The threat of Trump dumping a lot of money into Republican districts is over, perhaps more members of Congress we think represent their communities will listen to what constituents are saying about the war,» Grijalva told Digital.
TRUMP PLEDGES TO VETO ‘INSANE’ DEM BILLS, PINPOINTS ISSUE PARTIALLY TO BLAME FOR REPUBLICAN LOSSES
The renewed effort comes as lawmakers continue debating Congress’ constitutional authority over military operations and the president’s ability to conduct sustained hostilities without congressional authorization.
Under the Constitution, Congress holds the power to declare war, while the president serves as commander in chief of the armed forces. The War Powers Resolution of 1973 establishes procedures and limits for military operations conducted without congressional authorization.
Despite growing discussions among lawmakers, no vote on an Iran War Powers resolution has been scheduled or confirmed.
politics, congress, war with iran, national security, republicans elections, foreign policy
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