As the US tries to halt the slide in its relations with China, the most difficult sticking point is still Taiwan and Xi Jinping’s determination to “reunify” the island with the mainland.

Are Taiwan’s military preparations enough of a deterrent to China? What does the US “commitment” to Taiwan’s defense mean? Could it include protection under Washington’s nuclear umbrella?

Taiwan’s foreign minister Joseph Wu says it is not only Taiwan that has “a stake in the peace and stability over the Taiwan Strait” and hopes the actions of “like-minded partners” will also have a deterrent effect.

If China does attack, Wu is clear who will do the fighting.

“If war breaks out, the one who bears the responsibility for Taiwan’s defense will be Taiwan itself. And we are determined to defend ourselves,” he says.

DW’s Tim Sebastian speaks to Joseph Wu down the line from Taipei.