TAIWAN has reiterated that it already functions as a sovereign and independent nation following remarks by United States President Donald Trump warning against any formal move towards declaring independence from China.
The renewed diplomatic tensions emerged after Trump concluded a two-day summit in Beijing, where discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping reportedly focused heavily on Taiwan and broader regional security issues.
Speaking after the summit, Trump said the United States had made no new commitments regarding Taiwan’s political status and stressed that Washington did not support actions that could escalate tensions with Beijing.
“I do not want anybody declaring independence,” Trump said.
“We are supposed to go 9,500 miles to fight a war. I do not want that to happen. I want things calmed down. I want China to cool off.”
Trump also revealed that he would soon decide whether to approve an US$11 billion arms sales package for Taiwan, a move likely to further strain relations between Washington and Beijing.
The United States remains legally bound under domestic law to assist Taiwan in maintaining its self-defence capabilities, despite officially recognising only one Chinese government under Washington’s longstanding “One China” policy.
Taiwanese officials responded by reaffirming the island’s existing political position that it already considers itself independent and therefore has no need to formally declare separation from China.
Taiwan President Lai Ching-te had previously stated that Taiwan did not require a formal declaration of independence because it already operated as a sovereign state.
Presidential spokesperson Karen Kuo yesterday reinforced that position, describing Taiwan as “a democratic, sovereign and independent country”.
However, she stressed that Taipei remained committed to maintaining the cross-strait status quo, meaning Taiwan would neither formally declare independence nor pursue political unification with Beijing.
Most Taiwanese increasingly identify themselves as belonging to a separate political entity from mainland China, although public opinion broadly favours preserving the current situation rather than provoking direct confrontation.
Trump, during an interview with Fox News following his meeting with Xi, insisted that longstanding US policy towards Taiwan had not changed and signalled that he was seeking to avoid a military crisis with China.
While speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One during his return flight to Washington, Trump declined to clarify whether the United States would militarily defend Taiwan in the event of conflict.
He said Xi held a firm position against any attempt to move Taiwan towards formal independence.
China has repeatedly denounced President Lai Ching-te, previously labelling him a “troublemaker” and a “destroyer of cross-strait peace”, while intensifying military exercises around Taiwan in recent years.
Those drills have heightened regional tensions and placed increasing pressure on Washington’s delicate balancing act between supporting Taiwan’s security and maintaining stable diplomatic ties with Beijing.
Trump said the proposed arms sales package would be negotiated together with Taiwan’s leadership and added that he intended to discuss the matter directly with Taiwanese officials.
Although the United States does not maintain formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan, both sides continue to sustain close unofficial political, economic and security ties.
Direct communication between American presidents and Taiwanese leaders has historically been handled cautiously due to the risk of provoking strong reactions from Beijing.
In a separate statement, Taiwan’s presidential office expressed appreciation for continued American support for peace and security in the Taiwan Strait.
“Taiwan will continue strengthening cooperation with the United States to achieve peace through strength and ensure stability in the Taiwan Strait is not threatened, in line with the shared interests of Taiwan, the United States and the global democratic community,” the spokesperson said. - May 17, 2026
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