Taiwan has firmly declared itself a sovereign and independent nation following U.S. President Donald Trump’s state visit to Beijing last Friday, during which Chinese President Xi Jinping pressured him to withdraw support for the self-ruled island. China has long claimed Taiwan as an integral part of its territory.

Taiwan remains heavily dependent on US security assurances to counter Beijing's ongoing threats of a potential military takeover.

In a statement, Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs asserted that Taiwan is "a sovereign and independent democratic state" and "is not subordinate to the People's Republic of China."

The ministry emphasized that US arms sales to Taipei are a core component of Washington's security commitment. This follows earlier remarks by President Trump, who suggested that arms sales to the island "depend on China" and serve as a "great bargaining chip" for the United States.

Taiwan's response came shortly after Trump warned the island against declaring formal independence.

Speaking on Fox News’ Special Report with Bret Baier, Trump said, "I don’t want anybody getting independent. And you know, we have to travel 9,500 miles to fight a war. I don't want that."

Trump added, "I want them to cool it. I want China to cool it too."

However, Trump noted that there has been "no change" to long-standing US policy toward Taiwan.

While Washington officially recognizes Beijing and does not support formal Taiwanese independence, it has historically refrained from explicitly stating its opposition to such a declaration.

Under US law, Washington is bound to provide Taiwan with the means to defend itself, though it maintains a policy of strategic ambiguity regarding whether US forces would directly intervene in a conflict.

President Xi Jinping had initiated the summit by issuing warnings over the Taiwan issue. Conversely, Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te maintains that the island is already an independent nation, meaning there is no need to make a formal declaration.

The Chinese leader told Trump that missteps on such a sensitive issue could ultimately trigger a "conflict."

On Saturday, Taiwan’s Presidential Office stated, "President Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and multiple US officials have repeatedly reassured us that there is no change to the consistent US policy and stance toward Taiwan."

In an official statement, spokesperson Karen Kuo said, "Taiwan looks forward to continuing its collaboration with the United States under the firm commitments of the Taiwan Relations Act."
Source: AFP