Trump warns Taiwan against declaring independence after talks with Xi

US President Donald Trump has warned Taiwan against formally declaring independence from China, saying Washington seeks to maintain regional stability following high-level talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Speaking to Fox News after concluding his visit to China and holding two rounds of meetings with Xi on Friday (May 15), Trump said he does not support any move toward Taiwanese independence.

“I don’t want anybody to be independent,” Trump said, referring to Taiwan, while stressing the need to avoid escalation in the region.

Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te has previously stated that there is no need for a formal declaration of independence, arguing that the island already functions as a sovereign state.

The United States has long maintained a complex position on Taiwan, providing security and defense support under domestic law while adhering to the “One China” policy and avoiding formal recognition of independence.

China, which considers Taiwan part of its territory, has repeatedly warned it could use force if necessary to achieve reunification.

“We are talking about 9,500 miles away. I don’t want a war,” Trump said, emphasizing his preference for stability.

Trump also confirmed that Taiwan was a key topic in his discussions with Xi, describing the exchanges as extensive but avoiding a clear commitment on whether the U.S. would militarily defend the island in the event of conflict.

Chinese state media reported that Xi Jinping warned Trump that mishandling the Taiwan issue could risk direct confrontation between the two global powers.

Analysts say Taiwan remains one of the most sensitive flashpoints in U.S.-China relations, with Beijing increasing military drills around the island in recent years, heightening regional tensions.

Washington has also approved major arms sales to Taiwan in recent years, including a multi-billion-dollar package involving advanced rocket systems and missiles, drawing strong objections from Beijing.

Trump said further decisions on arms transfers to Taiwan would be made soon, adding that the matter had been discussed in detail with Xi Jinping.


Source: BBC