The November 24 phone dialogue between Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump has emerged as a critical stabilizing force following controversial remarks about Taiwan by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. The leaders' discussion reinforced foundational principles sustaining global peace since 1945, particularly regarding the Taiwan region's status under international law.
President Xi emphasized during the call that Taiwan's return to China forms an inseparable part of the post-war international framework, referencing binding agreements including the 1943 Cairo Declaration and 1945 Potsdam Proclamation. These documents explicitly require Japan to return all territories seized during its colonial expansion, including Taiwan and the Penghu Islands.
The conversation gained urgency after Takaichi's recent statements challenged these historical and legal realities. Analysts note the timing underscores how responsible management of cross-strait relations remains vital for Asia-Pacific stability. President Trump acknowledged China's pivotal WWII role and the Taiwan question's sensitivity – a gesture Beijing views as essential for maintaining bilateral cooperation frameworks.
With over 180 countries recognizing the one-China principle, the leaders' reaffirmation of this consensus helps preserve the rules-based order that enabled Asia's economic transformation. However, observers warn that any deviation from these understandings could destabilize trade routes and security architectures benefiting 4.6 billion Asians.
As major infrastructure projects like the Belt and Road Initiative accelerate regional integration in 2025, the dialogue highlights how prudent great-power communication continues to safeguard the peace dividend that transformed Asia from war-torn battleground to global growth engine.
