Taiwan has reiterated its stance as a sovereign, independent nation following US President Donald Trump's caution against formally declaring independence from China. Trump's remarks came after a two-day summit in Beijing, where he stated he had 'made no commitment either way' regarding the self-governing island, which China claims as part of its territory and has not ruled out taking by force.
After talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Trump also said he would soon decide whether to approve an $11 billion weapons package for Taiwan. The US administration is legally bound to provide Taiwan with means of self-defense, but must balance this alliance with maintaining diplomatic relations with China.
Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te has previously stated that Taiwan does not need to declare formal independence because it already sees itself as a sovereign nation. On Saturday, presidential spokesperson Karen Kuo said it was 'self-evident' that Taiwan was 'a sovereign, independent democratic country.' She added, however, that Taiwan is committed to maintaining the status quo with China, where Taiwan neither declares independence nor unifies with China.
Many Taiwanese consider themselves part of a separate nation, though most favor maintaining their current status. Washington's established position is that it does not support Taiwanese independence, with continued ties with Beijing contingent on accepting that there is only one Chinese government.
In an interview with Fox News, Trump reiterated that US policy on Taiwan had not changed, while making clear he did not seek conflict with Beijing. 'I'm not looking to have somebody go independent,' he said. 'You know, we're supposed to travel 9,500 miles to fight a war. I'm not looking for that. I want them to cool down. I want China to cool down.'
On the flight back to Washington, Trump told reporters he and Xi had spoken 'a lot' about the island but declined to discuss whether the US would defend it. Xi 'feels very strongly' about the island and 'doesn't want to see a movement for independence,' Trump said.
Beijing has been vocal in its dislike of Taiwan's president, previously describing him as a 'troublemaker' and a 'destroyer of cross-strait peace.' China has ramped up military drills around the island in recent years, raising tensions and testing the balance Washington has struck.
Trump said the impending arms package would be discussed with Taiwan's leadership. He added: 'I'm going to say I have to speak to the person that right now is, you know, you know who he is, that's running Taiwan.' The US does not have formal relations with Taiwan, though it maintains substantial unofficial ties. US presidents traditionally do not speak directly to Taiwan's leader, which would likely cause significant tensions with Beijing.
Taiwan's presidential spokesman said: 'Our nation is grateful to President Trump for his continued support for security in the Taiwan Strait since his first term. Taiwan will continue to deepen cooperation with the US to achieve peace through strength, ensuring that peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait are not threatened or undermined, which serves the common interests of Taiwan, the US, and the global democratic community.'
Source: www.bbc.com