Trump apparently told Fox News yesterday that he would consider using the One China policy as a bargaining chip in broader negotiations with the Chinese. This was an incredibly stupid comment, for the following reasons:
- It’s offensive, and hardly reassuring, for the Taiwanese to be told they are a bargaining chip in a bigger picture.
- The Chinese government doesn’t negotiate over issues of sovereignty.
- Telling the world how you plan to negotiate makes it easier for the other side to anticipate your next move.
Trump has actually written books in which he laid out his approach to negotiations. You can be sure the Chinese have read them, and consequently know not to take his more extreme statements too seriously. As a result, he may well have to follow through with the madman act in order to get anything accomplished, which is pretty scary.