US President Donald Trump has cautioned Taiwan against formally declaring independence from China following high-level talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing.
Speaking to Fox News at the end of his two-day summit with Xi on Friday, Trump said the United States was not seeking to encourage any move toward Taiwanese independence.
“I’m not looking to have somebody go independent,” he said.
Trump stressed that Washington’s long-standing policy on Taiwan had not changed, despite growing tensions between China and the self-governing island.
Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te has previously argued that Taiwan does not need to declare formal independence because it already considers itself a sovereign nation.
China, however, views Taiwan as part of its territory and has not ruled out using force to bring the island under Beijing’s control.
The US does not officially recognise Taiwan as an independent country but maintains close unofficial ties and is legally required to help the island defend itself.
During the interview, Trump said he wanted both sides to reduce tensions.
“We’re not looking to have wars,” he said. “I want them to cool down. I want China to cool down.”
He also revealed that he and Xi discussed Taiwan extensively during their meetings, including proposed US arms sales to the island.
Last year, the Trump administration announced an $11 billion weapons package for Taiwan, including advanced rocket launchers and missiles. China strongly condemned the planned sale.
Trump said he had not yet decided whether the sale would proceed.
“I’m going to say I have to speak to the person that right now is running Taiwan,” he added, appearing to reference President Lai.
The remarks are likely to draw attention because US presidents traditionally avoid direct engagement with Taiwan’s leaders to prevent diplomatic tensions with Beijing.
Chinese state media reported that Xi described Taiwan as the “most important issue” in China-US relations and warned that mishandling the matter could lead to conflict between the two countries.
Despite the sharp rhetoric, Trump said he did not expect a war with China over Taiwan.
“I think we’ll be fine,” he said. “He doesn’t want to see a war.”
Taiwan’s Deputy Foreign Minister Chen Ming-chi responded by saying Taipei would seek clarification on Trump’s comments.
He also defended continued US arms sales to Taiwan, describing them as essential for regional peace and stability.
A spokesperson for President Lai said American military support remains part of Washington’s security commitment to Taiwan and helps deter threats in the region.
Taiwan’s Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung said the government had closely monitored the US-China summit and maintained communication with Washington and other allies to protect Taiwan’s interests.
He accused China of increasing tensions through aggressive military activity around the island.
