Taiwan has said it will continue strengthening co-operation with the United States despite President Donald Trump’s warning against its formal declaration of independence.
In a statement on Saturday, the foreign ministry stressed that Taiwan “is a sovereign democratic country,” and that “Beijing has no right to claim jurisdiction over Taiwan.”
The statement came in response to Trump’s remarks following his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, where cross-strait tensions and broader US-China relations were discussed.
Speaking to Fox News, Trump said he was not in favour of “somebody” moving toward independence, adding that he did not want the US to be drawn into a potential conflict in the region.
“I’m not looking to have somebody go independent. And, you know, we’re supposed to travel 9,500 miles to fight a war. I’m not looking for that,” he said.
“I want them to cool down. I want China to cool down,” he added.
Taiwan stressed that its relationship with the US, one of its key allies in deterring China’s military threat, remains “unchanged” and will continue working with Washington and other democratic partners to maintain peace in the region.
US backs Taiwan’s defence
Trump has maintained a cautious approach on the Taiwan and China tensions, with the president not formally recognising Beijing’s claim over Taiwan, nor does he recognise Taiwan’s independence.
He has, however, shown support for Taipei when the US State Department approved arms sales to Taiwan worth a total of USD1.3 billion during his first term.
This deal was also referenced in a statement from Taiwan’s Presidential Office on Saturday, which said that US-Taiwan relations remain strong and continue to be built on close co-operation in security and regional stability.
It also cited “multiple reaffirmations from the US side, including President Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, that the consistent US policy and position toward Taiwan remain unchanged.”
“Taiwan will continue to deepen co-operation with the US to achieve peace through strength, ensuring that peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait are not threatened or undermined,” Taipei said.
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China’s growing threat
Tensions across the Taiwan Strait have intensified in recent years as China continues to increase military and diplomatic pressure on Taiwan, including regular air and naval operations near the island.
Beijing considers Taiwan part of its territory, although it has not ruled out the use of force to bring it under its control.
Taiwan, however, strongly rejects this claim, insisting that it is a self-governing democracy with its own political system and elected leadership.
On Thursday, Beijing also criticised Paraguayan President Santiago Peña’s visit to Taiwan, accusing him of being a pawn of “Taiwan independence separatist forces.”
Taiwan condemned the remarks, saying Beijing has “no right” to interfere in its diplomatic relations, and expressed appreciation to the Paraguayan president for his support.
Just two weeks before Peña’s visit, Taiwan also accused Beijing of pressuring other countries over flight arrangements, which it said disrupted Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen’s planned visit to Eswatini, one of the few countries that still maintains formal diplomatic ties with Taipei.
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