Trump's Beijing visit raises fears over U.S. stance on Taiwan

U.S. President Donald Trump will travel to Beijing this week for a state visit. The trip has revived concerns that he could strike a deal with Chinese leader Xi Jinping that abandons Taiwan's interests.

White House officials have tried to ease these worries. But Trump's known style of speaking without careful preparation puts him at risk of saying something that breaks with decades of U.S. policy toward Taiwan, the democratic island that Beijing claims as its own.

For months before the summit, anxiety has grown that Trump might sacrifice Taiwan's position. Analysts fear he could allow China a role in U.S. weapons sales to Taiwan. He might also agree to use softer language when discussing the island.

Trump has shown eagerness to reach economic agreements with Xi. This desire for deals raises questions about whether Taiwan's security will be protected during negotiations.

U.S. policy on Taiwan has remained consistent for many years. Any shift in that language or approach would mark a significant change in how the United States handles its relationship with the island.