US President Donald Trump has cautioned Taiwan against formally declaring independence from China.
I'm not looking to have somebody go independent, the US president told Fox News on Friday, at the end of his two-day summit with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping in Beijing.
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.
The US has long supported Taiwan, including being bound by law to provide it with a means of self-defence, but has frequently had to square this alliance with maintaining a diplomatic relationship with China.
Trump earlier said 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.
Beijing has been vocal in its dislike of Taiwan's president, describing him as a troublemaker and a destroyer of cross-strait peace.
In his interview with Fox News, Trump reiterated that US policy on the matter had not changed, emphasizing the need for both the US and China to cool down tensions. He stated, You know, we're supposed to travel 9,500 miles (15,289km) to fight a war. I'm not looking for that. Trump's comments come amid increasing military drills by China around Taiwan, raising concerns in Washington.
Late last year, the Trump administration announced an $11bn weapons package to Taiwan, including advanced rocket launchers, which Beijing condemned as provocative. Taiwan's response to Trump's remarks indicated a need for clarity on US policy and reaffirmed the importance of arms sales for its defense. Taiwanese officials highlighted that such support has always been vital for maintaining peace and stability in the region.
