Taipei said it remains a sovereign democratic state after US President Donald Trump warned the island against making a formal declaration of independence following high-level discussions with Xi Jinping in Beijing.
The remarks came after Trump concluded a state visit to China, where Xi reportedly urged Washington not to support separatist moves by Taiwan. Beijing considers the self-governed island part of its territory and has repeatedly said reunification remains a national objective.
In response, Taiwan’s foreign ministry said the island was already a sovereign and democratic nation that was not subordinate to the People’s Republic of China. Officials in Taipei also defended continued US arms sales, describing them as part of Washington’s long-standing security commitments under the Taiwan Relations Act.
Speaking to Fox News after the summit, Trump said he wanted both sides to “cool down” and stressed that he was not seeking conflict in the region. He added that maintaining the current situation was the best path to stability, while insisting US policy toward the island had not changed.
Washington officially recognizes Beijing rather than Taipei diplomatically, but the United States remains Taiwan’s most important security partner and is legally obligated to provide defensive weapons to the island.
The issue has become increasingly sensitive as military tensions continue across the Taiwan Strait. Analysts say any major escalation could disrupt global trade routes and semiconductor supply chains that are vital to economies worldwide, including Gulf markets dependent on stable international commerce.
Ahead of the Beijing summit, Trump indicated he would review future US weapons sales to Taiwan, raising concerns among some observers that the matter could become part of broader negotiations with China. Taiwan’s parliament recently approved a major defense spending package expected to support purchases of American military equipment.
Chinese officials have repeatedly warned that any moves toward formal separation could trigger conflict. Taiwan’s leadership, however, argues the island already functions independently and therefore does not require a new declaration.
Political analysts in Taipei said Trump’s comments may signal an effort to ease tensions with Beijing while preserving strategic ties with Taiwan. Others expressed concern that uncertainty over future arms sales could affect confidence in US commitments across the region.
