Taiwan Reaffirms its Status as an Independent Nation in Response to Trump's Warning!

The Taiwanese government has affirmed that it is an “independent” nation. This was stated on Saturday (16/5), just hours after US President Donald Trump warned the island not to declare formal independence.

“Taiwan is a democratic, sovereign and independent country, and is not subject to the People’s Republic of China,” the Taiwanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement, as reported by news agency AFP, Saturday (16/5/2026).

The ministry also affirmed that US arms sales are part of Washington’s security commitment to Taiwan. This was stated after Trump hinted that he was considering the issue.

“Regarding Taiwan-US arms sales, this is not only the US’s security commitment to Taiwan, which is clearly stated in the Taiwan Relations Act, but also a form of joint deterrence against regional threats,” said the Taiwanese ministry.

The Taiwanese statement came a day after Trump ended his visit to Beijing, China. During the visit, Chinese President Xi Jinping urged Trump not to support the island, which China claims as part of its territory.

Trump then issued a warning to Taiwan not to make a declaration of independence.

“I don’t want anyone to be independent,” he said to “Special Report with Bret Baier” on Fox News.

“I want them to be calm. I want China to be calm,” Trump said.

“We don’t want war, and if you keep it like it is now, I think China will be okay with it,” he added.

So far, the United States has only recognized Beijing and does not support formal Taiwanese independence. However, the US has never explicitly stated that it opposes Taiwanese independence.

Under US law, the United States is required to provide weapons to Taiwan for its defense, but it is still unclear whether US troops would come to help the island.