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Trump urges Taiwan to avoid formal independence
US President Donald Trump has cautioned Taiwan against making a formal declaration of independence from China, emphasizing that Washington is not seeking conflict over the self-governing island.
Diplomatic stance following US-China summit
Speaking to Fox News after a two-day summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, Trump stated, "I'm not looking to have somebody go independent." He reiterated that US policy on Taiwan remains unchanged, adding that he wants both sides to "cool down."
Trump acknowledged the sensitivity of the issue, noting that Xi "feels very strongly" about Taiwan and opposes any move toward independence. According to Chinese state media, Xi warned that mishandling the Taiwan question could lead to a collision or conflict between the two nations.
Taiwan's response and US arms sales
Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te has previously asserted that Taiwan does not need to declare formal independence because it already considers itself a sovereign nation. However, Trump's remarks have prompted Taiwan to seek clarification on their exact meaning.
Taiwan's Deputy Foreign Minister Chen Ming-chi emphasized that US arms sales to Taiwan, confirmed under US law, are a "cornerstone of regional peace and stability." A spokesperson for President Lai described the sales as part of Washington's "security commitment" to Taiwan and a "shared deterrent against regional threats."
Military drills and rising tensions
China has intensified military exercises around Taiwan in recent years, escalating regional tensions. Last year, the Trump administration approved an $11 billion weapons package for Taiwan, including advanced missiles and rocket launchers, which Beijing condemned.
Trump indicated that he would soon decide whether the sale would proceed, stating that he and Xi had discussed it "in great detail." He also noted that he had not committed to defending Taiwan militarily, telling reporters on his return flight to Washington that he and Xi had spoken extensively about the island.
Historical context and diplomatic balancing act
The US has long maintained a delicate balance in its relations with Taiwan and China. While Washington is legally bound to provide Taiwan with the means for self-defense, it does not support Taiwanese independence and recognizes Beijing's stance that there is only one Chinese government.
Trump's comments come after the US State Department removed a statement from its website in February 2025 that reiterated opposition to Taiwanese independence, a move that angered Beijing. US officials in Taiwan later clarified that Washington opposes any unilateral changes to the status quo.
"We have long stated that we oppose any unilateral changes to the status quo from either side."
US officials in Taiwan
Taiwan's foreign policy and regional stability
Taiwan's Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung stated that Taipei had been monitoring the US-China summit and maintained communication with Washington and other allies to "safeguard Taiwan's interests." He accused China of escalating risks through "aggressive military actions and authoritarian oppression," while describing Taiwan as a "guardian of peace and stability" in the region.
Most Taiwanese favor maintaining the current status quo, neither declaring independence nor unifying with China. However, Beijing continues to view Taiwan's leadership, particularly President Lai, as separatist and a threat to cross-strait peace.
