Taiwan will not start a fight, but it will also not give up its sovereignty. President Lai Ching-te made this clear following high-level talks between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping. These discussions focused on Taiwan's status and its relationship with China. China views Taiwan as a breakaway province. Beijing insists it will eventually unite with the mainland. This could happen by force if necessary.
During the summit, Chinese leader Xi Jinping told Donald Trump that Taiwan is a critical issue. Mishandling it could lead to conflict. After his China visit, Trump warned Taiwan. He stated he did not want to see Taiwan declare independence. The United States has a long-standing commitment to Taiwan. It is legally required to help Taiwan defend itself. Trump said US policy on Taiwan has not changed. He also stressed he did not seek conflict with Beijing.
Taiwan already considers itself a sovereign nation. Its government, under President Lai and his predecessor Tsai Ing-wen, sees no need for a formal independence declaration. President Lai shared this view on Facebook. He stated there is no issue of "Taiwan independence." Taiwan, officially the Republic of China, is an independent, democratic country. Its future belongs to the Taiwanese people. This reflects the views of most people on the island.
Many in Taiwan prefer to maintain the current situation. They want to neither unify with China nor formally declare independence. Beijing has openly criticized President Lai. It calls him a "troublemaker." It also labels him a "destroyer of cross-strait peace." President Lai wrote that Taiwan will not provoke or escalate conflict. However, it will not surrender national sovereignty and dignity. It will also not abandon its democratic and free way of life under pressure.
He added that Taiwan has always protected the status quo in the Taiwan Strait. It is not trying to change it. Taiwan is open to dialogue with China. This dialogue must be on terms of equality and dignity. However, Taiwan rejects China's attempts to use "unification" as a way to force talks. Taiwan's presidential spokesperson stated it is obvious the island is sovereign and independent. They are committed to keeping the current situation the same.
China claims it wants "peaceful reunification." Yet, it has not ruled out using force against Taiwan. For many years, the US has sold weapons to Taiwan. This is done under the Taiwan Relations Act. It helps Taiwan defend itself from an attack. The US is Taiwan's strongest ally and its main weapons supplier. In late 2018, the US approved $11 billion in arms sales to Taiwan. This was one of the largest ever. Beijing reacted with anger. China has increased pressure on Taiwan recently. This includes military drills and blockade simulations near the island.
Trump told reporters he would decide on the arms sale. He and Xi discussed it in detail in Beijing. The US has long assured Taiwan it would not consult Beijing on arms sales. However, Trump indicated this US policy might be outdated. He called the 1980s a "long time ago." President Lai thanked Trump for supporting peace in the Taiwan Strait. He also thanked him for increasing arms sales. Lai noted China's continued threat to use force. He stated US arms sales and security cooperation are vital for regional peace and stability.