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Donald Trump has warned Taiwan against formally declaring independence from China, stating, “I’m not looking to have somebody go independent.” This remark came at the conclusion of his two-day summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing. According to BBC News, the discussions included significant dialogue about Taiwan, a self-governing island that China claims as part of its territory.

Trump emphasized that the U.S. policy towards Taiwan remains unchanged, reiterating that he does not seek conflict. He remarked, “You know, we’re supposed to travel 9,500 miles (15,289km) to fight a war. I’m not looking for that. I want them to cool down. I want China to cool down.” He added that Xi has strong feelings regarding Taiwan and does not wish to see a movement for independence.

The Taiwan issue is considered critical in China-U.S. relations, with Xi warning that mishandling the situation could lead to conflict between the two nations. Trump expressed optimism about avoiding such a scenario, stating, “No, I don’t think so. I think we’ll be fine. [Xi] doesn’t want to see a war.”

In recent years, China has increased military drills around Taiwan, raising regional tensions. Last year, the Trump administration announced an $11 billion arms package for Taiwan, which included advanced weaponry. Trump stated he would soon decide on the sale and would consult with Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te before making a final decision. He remarked, “I may do it. I may not do it. We’re not looking to have wars.”

Taiwan’s Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung stated that they have been closely monitoring the U.S.-China summit and are ensuring stable relations with the U.S. He accused China of escalating risks through aggressive military actions and authoritarian oppression, highlighting Taiwan’s role as a guardian of peace and stability in the region.