Taiwan has reiterated that it is already a sovereign and independent nation after Donald Trump cautioned against any formal move towards independence from China.
The remarks came after Trump concluded a two-day summit in Beijing with Chinese President Xi Jinping, where discussions reportedly focused heavily on cross-strait relations and regional tensions.
Speaking after the meeting, Trump stressed that he was not seeking conflict with Beijing and said he did not support any move that could trigger instability over Taiwan.
“I’m not looking to have somebody go independent,” Trump said during an interview with Fox News.
He added that he wanted both sides to “cool down” amid rising tensions in the region.
Trump also revealed that he had not made any commitment regarding whether the United States would militarily defend Taiwan if conflict were to break out.
Despite the remarks, Taiwan quickly reaffirmed its position.
Taiwan presidential spokesperson Karen Kuo said it was “self-evident” that Taiwan is already “a sovereign, independent democratic country”.
However, she stressed that Taiwan remains committed to maintaining the current status quo with China, where the island neither formally declares independence nor unifies with Beijing.
Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te has previously stated that Taiwan does not need to formally declare independence because it already views itself as an independent nation.
Trump also confirmed he would soon decide whether to approve an US$11 billion arms package for Taiwan, which reportedly includes advanced weapons systems.
The United States remains legally obligated to provide Taiwan with defensive support under longstanding American law, despite Washington not maintaining official diplomatic relations with Taipei.
China, meanwhile, continues to claim Taiwan as part of its territory and has repeatedly refused to rule out the use of force to achieve reunification.
In recent years, Beijing has intensified military drills and operations around the island, increasing concerns over potential conflict in the Taiwan Strait.
Taiwan’s presidential office said it appreciated Trump’s continued support for security in the region and pledged to deepen cooperation with the United States to preserve peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.
