LOW-KEY INVOLVEMENT IN REGIONAL CONFLICTS
China’s reluctance was evident in several regional conflicts.
Mr Trump has claimed he “ended 8 wars in just 8 months”. Whatever the debate on whether to give him credit, his claim included three conflicts at China’s doorstep: between Thailand and Cambodia, Armenia and Azerbaijan, and Pakistan and India. Notably, Pakistan, Thailand and Cambodia are very close to China, while Armenia and Azerbaijan seek closer ties with the SCO.
China’s interests would have been well-served by leading mediation, but its efforts proved limited and low-key compared to Mr Trump’s actions.
Tensions between China and Japan have escalated significantly over Taiwan following remarks in November 2025 by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. She described a Chinese attack on Taiwan as a “survival-threatening situation” for Japan, opening the door to potential military intervention. Beijing responded with intense diplomatic and economic pressure.
The timing, shortly after the Busan summit between Mr Xi and Mr Trump where Taiwan was not mentioned, suggests Ms Takaichi may have deliberately ratcheted up tensions to draw the US back into the region. Mr Trump has long signalled indifference toward Taiwan beyond its semiconductors.
China may take an increasingly assertive approach in defending its core interests, including Taiwan and the South China Sea, but it has remained very much restrained from intervening in the internal affairs of other countries. Putting its own house in order has been and will remain its top priority.
