Arabic version: تايوان تؤكد سيادتها بعد تحذيرات ترامب

According to BBC News,

Taiwan has insisted it is a sovereign, independent nation, after U.S. President Donald Trump cautioned it against formally declaring independence from China. Trump’s remarks came after a two-day summit in Beijing, after which he said he had made no commitment either way about the self-governing island, which China claims as part of its territory.

Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te has previously stated that Taiwan does not need to declare formal independence because it already sees itself as a sovereign nation. On Saturday, presidential spokesperson Karen Kuo said it was “self-evident” that Taiwan was “a sovereign, independent democratic country.” She added, however, that Taiwan was committed to maintaining the status quo with China – in which Taiwan neither declares independence from China nor unites with it.

Trump, in an interview after meetings with President Xi, reiterated that U.S. policy on Taiwan had not changed, while making it clear he did not seek conflict with Beijing. “I want China to cool down,” he said. The U.S. administration is bound by law to provide Taiwan with a means of self-defense, but has frequently had to square this alliance with maintaining a diplomatic relationship with China.

The U.S. does not have formal relations with Taiwan, though it maintains substantial unofficial relations. Trump’s remarks on Taiwan’s independence and the impending arms package have the potential to strain relations with Beijing, especially given Xi’s strong opposition to any independence movements in Taiwan.

Taiwan’s leadership expressed gratitude for Trump’s support in ensuring security across the Taiwan Strait, emphasizing the importance of cooperation with the U.S. to maintain peace and stability in the region.