Trump warns Taiwan against declaring independence after meeting with Xi Jinping

US President Donald Trump issued a strong statement against Taiwan following his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing. After a two-day summit with Xi, Trump warned Taiwan not to formally declare independence.

Speaking to Fox News on Friday, Trump said, “I don’t want to see anyone declare independence.” Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te had previously stated that it was unnecessary for Taiwan to formally declare independence, as it already considers itself a sovereign nation.

The US has long supported Taiwan and is legally obligated to provide it with necessary assistance for self-defense. However, maintaining diplomatic relations with China while balancing support for Taiwan has always been a challenge for the US.

Trump had previously stated that he had not committed to any side regarding Taiwan. China claims Taiwan as part of its territory and has warned that it could use force to take control if necessary.

Washington’s longstanding policy is not to support Taiwan’s independence. Its relationship with China is based on the “One China” policy, recognizing only one Chinese government.

Beijing has expressed dissatisfaction with Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te, portraying him as a troublemaker and criticizing him for disrupting peace between the two sides.

Many Taiwanese citizens consider themselves part of a separate nation. However, most prefer to maintain the current status, where Taiwan has neither declared independence from China nor integrated with it.

In the Fox News interview, Trump reiterated that US policy has not changed. He said, “We don’t want to go 9,500 miles to fight a war. I want tensions to decrease. I want China to be peaceful as well.”

Speaking to reporters on his return to Washington, Trump mentioned that there had been extensive discussions about Taiwan between him and Xi. However, he refused to comment on whether the US would defend Taiwan.

According to Trump, Xi Jinping is very sensitive about the issue of Taiwan and “does not want to see a movement for independence.” Chinese state media reported that during the talks, Xi said, “The Taiwan question is the most important issue in China-US relations. If mishandled, it could lead to conflict between the two countries.”

When asked if there could be conflict with China over Taiwan, Trump said, “I don’t think so. Everything will be fine. Xi does not want war.” In recent years, China has intensified military exercises around Taiwan, increasing regional tensions and challenging the balance maintained by the US.