On June 12, Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen joined American officials in Taipei to commemorate the opening of the new American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) - the United States' de facto embassy in Taiwan in everything but name. Ahead of the event much speculation circulated among Taiwan and China watchers. Would this upset China? Would they object to U.S. Marines stationed at the compound? Would Beijing ramp up its military drills on their side of the Taiwan Strait? Would Trump send any high-ranking officials?

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