Trump warns Taiwan against declaring independence after Beijing Summit with Xi Jinping

U.S. President Donald Trump has cautioned Taiwan against formally declaring independence from China, issuing the warning shortly after concluding two days of high-level talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing.
“I’m not looking to have somebody go independent,” Trump told Fox News on Friday. He emphasized that the United States does not seek conflict in the region, saying, “We’re supposed to travel 9,500 miles to fight a war. I’m not looking for that. I want them to cool down. I want China to cool down.”
The remarks come amid longstanding tensions over Taiwan, which China claims as part of its territory and has not ruled out seizing by force. Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te has maintained that Taiwan already considers itself a sovereign nation and does not need a formal declaration of independence. Most Taiwanese favor preserving the current status quo.
Trump, who said he and Xi had discussed Taiwan “a lot,” noted that he made “no commitment either way” on the issue. He added that Xi “feels very strongly” about the island and “doesn’t want to see a movement for independence.” According to Chinese state media, Xi described the Taiwan question as “the most important issue in China-U.S. relations,” warning that mishandling it could lead to collision or conflict between the two powers.
The U.S. maintains a delicate balancing act: it is legally bound to provide Taiwan with defensive weapons while adhering to a “One China” policy that acknowledges Beijing’s position without explicitly endorsing it. Washington does not formally recognize Taiwan as a sovereign state and opposes unilateral changes to the status quo by either side.
During the summit, Trump and Xi also addressed a pending $11 billion U.S. arms package for Taiwan, which includes advanced rocket launchers and missiles. Trump said he would decide on the sale soon and had discussed it “in great detail” with Xi. He indicated he would speak with Taiwan’s leadership before making a final call.
Taiwanese officials responded cautiously. Deputy Foreign Minister Chen Ming-chi said the government would seek clarification on Trump’s comments, while stressing that U.S. arms sales to Taiwan are enshrined in American law and serve as a cornerstone of regional stability. A spokesperson for President Lai described the sales as part of the U.S. security commitment and a deterrent against regional threats.
Taiwan’s Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung said his government had closely monitored the summit and maintained communication with the U.S. to safeguard Taiwan’s interests. He accused China of escalating risks through aggressive military drills and authoritarian actions.
Trump, speaking aboard Air Force One on his return to Washington, said he did not foresee conflict with China over Taiwan. “No, I don’t think so. I think we’ll be fine. [Xi] doesn’t want to see a war,” he remarked.
The two-day summit in Beijing featured choreographed ceremonies and tours, including a visit to the Communist Party’s leadership compound, but produced no major new trade deals. Trump described the talks as “very successful.”
The episode highlights the persistent challenge for U.S. policymakers in managing relations with both China and Taiwan, as Beijing continues military pressure around the island while Taipei strengthens ties with Washington and other partners.