The White House released a transcript for President Trump’s meeting with President Xi Jinping of the Republic of China. Wrong.
HAMBURG — Four hours after President Trump’s meeting with the Chinese president here Saturday, the White House released a transcript:
REMARKS BY PRESIDENT TRUMP
BEFORE BILATERAL MEETING
WITH PRESIDENT XI OF THE REPUBLIC OF CHINA
That’s the wrong China.
Xi is president of the People’s Republic of China — sometimes referred to as « mainland » China. The Republic of China is Taiwan, which the People’s Republic of China considers a breakaway province.
It’s one word with enormous diplomatic implications. And it’s a minefield that the Trump White House has found itself in before.
After his election, Trump alarmed China by taking a congratulatory phone call from Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen. Trump then said he wouldn’t be bound by the so-called « One China » policy, in which the United States recognizes only mainland China and maintains close — but unofficial — relations with Taiwan.
Saturday’s mistake was first spotted by reporter Steve Herman of Voice of America:
These kinds of errors aren’t unheard of in the rush to get out a transcript — and it’s not even the first time they’ve had diplomatic implications.
Last year, the Obama White House identified Jerusalem as part of Israel. While Israel considers Jerusalem to be its capital, the United Nations does not. Presidents of both parties have been careful not identify Jerusalem as part of Israel to avoid inflaming Palestinians — who also consider the city part of their territory.
The Obama White House corrected the transcript .
