After Meeting Xi Jinping, Trump Warns Taiwan Not to Declare Independence
According to AFP, Saturday (16/5/2026), Trump made the statement after his visit to China. Trump concluded his state visit by claiming to have reached a trade agreement, which he described as fantastic.
However, the details of the agreement have not been clearly explained and have not resulted in any significant breakthroughs regarding the deadlock in the Iran conflict.
During the visit, Trump also invited Xi Jinping to make a reciprocal visit to Washington in September. This move is seen as a signal that both countries want to maintain stable relations amid the dynamics of the relationship between the world’s two largest economies.
Regarding the issue of Taiwan, which is a major concern for Xi Jinping, Trump reiterated that he does not support Taiwan declaring independence. He even questioned why the United States should be involved in a conflict if an attack were to occur on the island.
“I don’t want anyone to be independent. And, you know, we should be 9,500 miles away to fight a war. I don’t want that,” Trump told Fox News host, Brett Baier.
Trump also stated that he wants the situation to remain conducive in the region.
“I want them to be calm. I want China to be calm,” said Trump.
“We don’t want a war, and if it stays like this, I think China will be okay with it,” he said.
The United States has long recognised Beijing as the official government of China and does not support formal Taiwanese independence. However, Washington has also historically not explicitly rejected Taiwan’s independence.
On the other hand, according to US law, the United States remains obligated to provide Taiwan with weaponry for its defence needs. However, there is no certainty as to whether US troops will directly intervene to help Taiwan if a military conflict occurs.
Previously, Xi Jinping opened the bilateral meeting by warning Trump about the issue of Taiwan. Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te himself believes that Taiwan is essentially already independent, so a formal declaration is not necessary.
Xi told Trump that a misstep on this sensitive issue could lead both countries into “conflict.” (dek/dek)