US President Donald Trump has warned Taiwan against formally declaring independence from China, reiterating that Washington’s long-standing policy on the issue remains unchanged.
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Speaking to Fox News on Friday, shortly after concluding a two-day summit in Beijing with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Trump said he was not seeking a situation in which Taiwan moves toward independence.
“I’m not looking to have somebody go independent,” Trump said in the interview.
His remarks came after earlier comments in which he said he had made “no commitment either way” regarding the self-governing island, which Beijing considers part of its territory and has not ruled out taking by force.
US policy and the Taiwan question
The United States has historically supported Taiwan and is legally required to provide the island with the means to defend itself. At the same time, Washington maintains diplomatic relations with China and adheres to the “One China” policy, which recognises Beijing as the sole Chinese government.
Under this framework, the United States does not support Taiwanese independence, a position that has been central to maintaining diplomatic ties with China.
Xi Warns Trump Taiwan Dispute Could Lead to Conflict
Public opinion in Taiwan has long favoured maintaining the current situation. While many people on the island consider Taiwan a separate nation, most support preserving the status quo in which Taiwan neither formally declares independence nor unifies with China.
In the Fox News interview, Trump said he wanted both sides to avoid escalating tensions.
“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.”
Summit discussions with Xi
Trump told reporters during his return flight to Washington that Taiwan had been a major topic during his discussions with Xi.
He said the Chinese leader had strong views on the issue and opposed any move toward Taiwanese independence.
According to Chinese state media, Xi warned during the summit that the Taiwan issue remained the most important matter in relations between the two countries. He cautioned that if the matter were mishandled, it could lead to a confrontation or conflict.
Despite the warnings, Trump said he did not expect tensions over Taiwan to escalate into war.
“No, I don’t think so. I think we’ll be fine,” he said. “He doesn’t want to see a war.”
Weapons sales under consideration
The discussions also included a potential US arms sale to Taiwan. Late last year, the Trump administration announced a proposed package worth about $11 billion that would include advanced rocket launchers and various missile systems.
Beijing condemned the plan, which it views as interference in its internal affairs.
Trump said he had discussed the proposal with Xi “in great detail” and would soon decide whether to proceed. He added that he intended to speak with Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te before making a final decision.
“I may do it. I may not do it,” he said.
The United States has previously angered China with actions seen as weakening its stance against Taiwanese independence. In February 2025, the US State Department removed language from its website that explicitly stated Washington did not support Taiwanese independence, prompting criticism from Beijing.
US officials in Taiwan later reiterated that Washington opposes any unilateral attempts by either side to change the status quo.
Taiwan responds
Taiwan’s Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung said officials had closely monitored the US-China summit and remained in contact with the United States and other partners.
He said the goal was to ensure continued development of Taiwan–US relations while protecting the island’s interests.
Lin also described Taiwan as a “guardian of peace and stability” in the region, while accusing China of increasing tensions through military activity and political pressure.
China has stepped up military drills around Taiwan in recent years, raising concerns about security in the region and testing the delicate balance that Washington has sought to maintain.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 16 May 2026
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