Taiwan has insisted it is a sovereign, independent nation, after US President Donald Trump cautioned it against formally declaring independence from China.
Trump's remarks came after a two-day summit in Beijing, where he mentioned that he had made no commitment either way about the self-governing island, which China claims as part of its territory and has not ruled out taking by force.
Following talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Trump stated he would soon decide whether to approve an $11bn arms package to Taiwan.
The US administration is bound by law to provide Taiwan with a means of self-defense but often balances this obligation with maintaining diplomatic ties with China.
Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te has previously expressed that Taiwan does not need to declare formal independence since it already views itself as sovereign. On Saturday, presidential spokesperson Karen Kuo stated it was self-evident that Taiwan was a sovereign, independent democratic country but added that Taiwan was committed to maintaining the status quo regarding its relations with China.
Many Taiwanese consider themselves part of a separate nation, although there is widespread support for maintaining the current status between Taiwan and China.
Washington's policy does not endorse Taiwanese independence, contingent on the acknowledgment that there is one Chinese government. In an interview following his meetings with Xi, Trump reiterated that US policy on Taiwan remains unchanged, emphasizing that he does not seek conflict with Beijing. He indicated his desire for a calm relationship and asserted that he and Xi discussed Taiwan significantly during their dialogue.
The tensions surrounding Taiwan are reflected in China's increased military operations around the island. Trump noted that the impending arms package would be addressed with Taiwan's leadership, although the US traditionally refrains from direct communication with Taiwanese leaders to avoid aggravating Beijing.
Our nation is grateful to President Trump for his continued support for security in the Taiwan Strait since his first term in office, stated Taiwan's presidential spokesman. The spokesperson reaffirmed Taiwan's commitment to deepening collaboration with the US to secure peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.
