Taiwan says an ‘independent nation’ after Trump’s warning
TAIPEI, TAIWAN—Taiwan said on Saturday it is an “independent” nation, hours after US President Donald Trump warned the democratic island against declaring formal independence.
Trump wrapped up a state visit to Beijing on Friday where Chinese President Xi Jinping had pressed him not to support Taiwan, which China claims is part of its territory.
Taiwan depends heavily on US security backing to deter China from carrying out its threat to annex the island by force.
Taiwan “is a sovereign and independent democratic nation, and is not subordinate to the People’s Republic of China,” Taiwan’s foreign ministry said in a statement.
The ministry also insisted that US arms sales were part of Washington’s security commitment to Taiwan, after Trump said it “depends on China” and was a “very good negotiating chip for us.”
Taiwan’s statements came after Trump issued a warning to the island against making a declaration of independence.
No policy change on Taiwan
“I’m not looking to have somebody go independent. And, you know, we’re supposed to travel 9,500 miles to fight a war. I’m not looking for that,” he told Fox News’ “Special Report with Bret Baier.”
“I want them to cool down. I want China to cool down,” Trump said.
“We’re not looking to have wars, and if you kept it the way it is, I think China’s going to be OK with that.”
But Trump added that “nothing’s changed” on US policy towards Taiwan.
The United States recognizes only Beijing and does not support formal independence by Taiwan, but historically has stopped short of explicitly saying it opposes independence.
Under US law, the United States is required to provide weapons to Taiwan for its defense, but it has been ambiguous on whether US forces would come to the island’s aid.
US firm commitment
Xi had begun the summit with a warning on Taiwan, whose President Lai Ching-te considers the island already independent, making a declaration unnecessary.
The Chinese leader told Trump that missteps on the sensitive issue could cause “conflict.”
Taiwan’s Presidential Office noted Saturday the “multiple reaffirmations from the United State’s side, including President Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, that the consistent US policy and position toward Taiwan remain unchanged.”
“Taiwan looks forward to continuing to work with the US under the firm commitments of the Taiwan Relations Act,” spokesperson Karen Kuo said in a statement.
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