U.S. President Donald Trump has warned Taiwan against formally declaring independence from China. He stated that Chinese President Xi Jinping wishes to see neither war nor unrest in the region.
Speaking to the U.S. media outlet Fox News yesterday, Friday—following a visit to China and two rounds of meetings with Xi Jinping—Trump further remarked, “I don’t want anyone [Taiwan] to declare independence.”
However, Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te has previously stated that there is no need for Taiwan to formally declare independence, as the island already views itself as a “sovereign state.”
The United States has long provided support to Taiwan. In fact, the country is legally obligated to provide Taiwan with the means and capabilities for self-defense. Washington frequently finds itself having to strike a delicate balance to maintain this special alliance while simultaneously preserving diplomatic relations with China.
Trump has previously stated that he has made “no commitments to either side” regarding the self-governing island.
China has consistently claimed Taiwan as its own territory. Moreover, Chinese authorities have never ruled out the possibility of seizing Taiwan by force.
Conversely—despite its status as an ally—the long-standing U.S. position is that Washington does not support Taiwan’s independence. Furthermore, in an effort to maintain relations with Beijing, the United States acknowledges that there is only one legitimate government in China (the “One China” policy).
On the other hand, Beijing has never looked favorably upon Taiwan’s President. China has consistently been vocal in its criticism; the President has previously been labeled a “troublemaker” and a “disruptor of cross-strait peace.”
Many residents of Taiwan view themselves as part of a distinct nation. However, the majority favor maintaining the status quo—meaning they do not wish to formally declare independence from China, nor do they seek to unify with the mainland.
Trump told Fox News that there has been no change in U.S. policy regarding Taiwan.
The U.S. President stated, “You know, if we were to go to war, we would have to travel nearly 9,500 miles (15,289 kilometers). I don’t want that. I want the situation to remain calm.” ‘Let China be calm, too.’
On his way back to Washington from Beijing, Donald Trump told reporters that during his recent visit to China, he and Xi Jinping had ‘talked a lot’ about the island (Taiwan). However, Trump declined to provide details regarding whether the United States would defend Taiwan if the need arose.
Trump noted that Xi Jinping has taken a very ‘tough stance’ on the Taiwan issue. He (the Chinese President) does not wish to see any independence movement in Taiwan.
Taiwan is a critically important issue in the relationship between the United States and China. According to reports from China’s state-run media, during their meeting, Xi warned Trump that if the existing dispute over Taiwan is not handled properly, China and the United States could find themselves embroiled in a conflict.
When asked whether he foresaw any conflict with China centering on Taiwan, Trump replied, ‘No, I don’t think so. I think we’ll be fine. (Xi Jinping) doesn’t want to see a war.’
Over the past few years, China has ramped up military exercises in the vicinity of Taiwan. This has led to heightened tensions in the region. Concurrently, Washington’s strategy of maintaining a delicate balance regarding the Taiwan issue has come under challenge.
Late last year, the United States announced an arms sales package worth $1.1 billion to Taiwan. Under this agreement, Taiwan is slated to receive modern rocket launchers and various types of missiles. Beijing has condemned this move.
Trump stated that he would soon make a decision regarding whether or not to proceed with this arms sales package. The U.S. President noted that he and the Chinese President had engaged in ‘detailed’ discussions on the matter.
