Taiwan citizens prepare for potential security risks during Trump-Xi summit

May 12, 2026 • Al Jazeera

Taiwan citizens prepare for potential security risks during Trump-Xi summit

Taiwan Sees Increased Interest in Self-Defense Training Ahead of Upcoming Summit

Citizens in Taiwan are taking steps to enhance their self-defense skills, with a growing number of individuals enrolling in self-defense courses. This trend is largely driven by concerns about the potential for China to use force to assert its claim over the island.

The upcoming summit between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday has sparked speculation that Taiwan’s future may be discussed during the meeting. As a result, some individuals are seeking to prepare themselves for any possible scenarios.

According to reports, self-defense courses have become increasingly popular in recent weeks, with many civilians opting to learn skills such as hand-to-hand combat and defensive tactics. The motivation behind this trend is largely rooted in fears about China’s intentions regarding Taiwan.

While the details of the summit remain unclear, officials from both countries have not commented on whether Taiwan’s future will be discussed during the meeting. However, the increased interest in self-defense training among Taiwanese civilians suggests that many are taking a proactive approach to preparing themselves for any potential developments.

As the world waits with bated breath for the outcome of the summit, citizens in Taiwan are taking steps to ensure their safety and security. The exact nature of the discussions between Trump and Xi Jinping remains unknown, but one thing is clear: the situation surrounding Taiwan continues to be a point of tension between China and its neighbors.

Source: Al Jazeera