US President Donald Trump issued a stern warning to Taiwan not to proceed with a formal declaration of independence from China, just hours after completing his two-day summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing. In an interview with Fox News, Trump clarified that US policy on the Taiwan issue has not changed, emphasizing that Washington does not want escalation in the region following the Chinese president’s warning about the risk of conflict if mistakes are made regarding the island.
Donald Trump: We’re not looking for wars
“I don’t want there to be someone who will say ‘let’s proceed with independence, because the United States supports us,'” the American president stated characteristically. At the same time, he noted that the US does not seek military confrontation with China over the Taiwan issue. “We’re not looking for wars and, if the current situation is maintained, I believe China will be okay with that,” he said, adding: “I want things to calm down. I want China to lower the tone.”
Trump also revealed that he had an extensive discussion with Xi Jinping about the Taiwan issue, however he avoided answering whether the US would militarily defend the island in case of conflict.
Xi Jinping’s warning
According to Chinese state media, Xi Jinping emphasized during the talks that “the Taiwan issue is the most important matter in China-US relations.”
The Chinese president even warned that “if there is mishandling, the two countries could clash or even be led to confrontation.”
Beijing considers Taiwan part of Chinese territory and has not ruled out the use of force for its reunification with mainland China.
Arms sales also in focus
Trump said he has not yet decided whether to proceed with the package of US arms sales to Taiwan, worth approximately $11 billion, which includes missile systems and advanced rocket launchers. “I will have to speak with the person who currently governs Taiwan,” he said characteristically, without naming Taiwan’s president, Lai Ching-te.
For its part, Taipei attempted to calm concerns, with Taiwan’s Deputy Foreign Minister Chen Ming-chi stating that US arms sales constitute a “cornerstone of regional peace and stability.”
He added that Taiwan’s government will continue contacts with Washington to clarify what will happen with the defense agreements.
