Trump Warns Taiwan Not to Declare Independence

6 hours ago, Brettoj said:

You couldn’t trust the Americans to protect Taiwan. Trump and cronies wouldn’t have any idea what role Taiwan plays in the world and its importance. Xi is smarter than Trump and knows how to play him. Look for an invasion in the final year of Trumps disastrous rule!

No world leader or even the US citizens can trust Trump these day..

6 hours ago, Brettoj said:

You couldn’t trust the Americans to protect Taiwan. Trump and cronies wouldn’t have any idea what role Taiwan plays in the world and its importance. Xi is smarter than Trump and knows how to play him. Look for an invasion in the final year of Trumps disastrous rule!

Not 'Americans', but better 'the current administration'. From my earliest years in the 1950's I remember US staunch defense of Taiwan, Qumoy and Matsu being shelled by nasty commies on mainland.

Things got a bit mush after Nixon visited Mao and those in power found out there was a buck to be made. I recall going to BC in 72 and getting some Chinese propaganda posters and a Mao hat. NO IMPORTS were allowed from Red China (that's how they were id'ed) back then.

Now that Trump is literally kowtowing to Xi-whiz, and US armaments are in slim supply, I could see Trump selling out Taiwan, if there is a buck to be had.

9 hours ago, TorquayFan said:

Spot on !

China is intent on full integration with Taiwan - based on Hong Kong's experience, the omens for that are not good.

Taiwan has $18 billion of pending orders for US arms - will Trump meddle with that after his love-in with Xi ?

The whole point is to extract maximum benefits from Taiwan. US arms producers make vast profits when exporting military hardware. Trump will carry on having a situation where Taiwan will continue to purchase billions of dollars of military hardware from America.

1 hour ago, Emdog said:

Not 'Americans', but better 'the current administration'. From my earliest years in the 1950's I remember US staunch defense of Taiwan, Qumoy and Matsu being shelled by nasty commies on mainland.

Things got a bit mush after Nixon visited Mao and those in power found out there was a buck to be made. I recall going to BC in 72 and getting some Chinese propaganda posters and a Mao hat. NO IMPORTS were allowed from Red China (that's how they were id'ed) back then.

Now that Trump is literally kowtowing to Xi-whiz, and US armaments are in slim supply, I could see Trump selling out Taiwan, if there is a buck to be had.

I think we should be honest. Washington's attitude has always been to exploit the situation and make a profit.

8 minutes ago, tonbridgebrit said:

I think we should be honest.

I think we should be honest and recognize that China has no want or need to 'invade' Taiwan.

Butt out Donny haven't you already caused enough s**t around the World this year.

9 hours ago, Srikcir said:

Was it Taiwan or Iran? Apparently Trump kept referring to Iran when the discussion was about Taiwan.

Things with T' in it after googling all those Chinese girls I expect🤔

10 hours ago, mfd101 said:

What democracy- and peace-loving 'Westerners' are supposed to stand for is Let the People Decide.

That is, the people of Formosa - not their government and not Beijing or Washington - get to decide their future in a nationwide referendum internationally supervised.

But this is never mentioned. By anyone. Funny that.

The people of Formosa are the previous rulers of China before they scarpered following the revolution. Arguably they are the legitimate rulers of China.

But who has the most guns?

1 hour ago, johng said:

I think we should be honest and recognize that China has no want or need to 'invade' Taiwan.

Oh yes they do!

Compared to the USA how many countries has China invaded over the years?

Trump warns Taiwan not to declare independence. Ok Papa Donald what's in it for you?

Many of us are wondering how much lower trumps approval rating could go? He's doing an absolutely dismal job with the Iran War, with the economy, and with his presidency in general.

His current poll numbers are in the toilet and my guess is that if he maintains his policy it can go even lower. Let's get ready for the midterms, they are sure going to be exciting. Poor Don.

Not being American, what do the midterms mean? We have an election every 3 years; we do not have midterms. If you lose midterms, what happens?

13 hours ago, johng said:

I think we should be honest and recognize that China has no want or need to 'invade' Taiwan.

Do you read the news about China and Taiwan, think you need too

13 hours ago, Rams86 said:

Compared to the USA how many countries has China invaded over the years?

Ever hear of Tibet? Slaughter and destruction of monks and monasteries? China invaded AND kept it.

Donnie wants Canada, Greenland, Venezuela, etc as part of USA, but he is like a 7 year old at a toy store....

China is also trying to dilute and destroy Tibetan culture by 'flooding the zone' with ethnic Chinese, crowding out and making second class citizens of Tibetans. I visited in 96 overland and our van was stopped twice by Chinese gov looking for any likeness of the Dali Lama.

It must be so confusing for poor Donny, not knowing if he’s Putin’s bitch or Xi’s bitch.

On 5/16/2026 at 1:09 PM, JamesPhuket10 said:

I had a chat with a female tourist from Taiwan in January this year, she stated she and her friends were pro-Chinese and looked forward to being part of China in an official and recognise way.

Oh, and even as a second language she spoke better English than Trump, who strings words together to make sentences like a ten year old.

The members of those families who fled to Taiwan from mainland China during and after the Chinese civil war are mainly KMT members, and favour unification with China. The Taiwanese, however, are very much in favour of maintaining their independence. Communist China's claim that Taiwan is a part of China is false, to put it mildly. Taiwan belongs to the Taiwanese.

It's reassuring that in today's world, nobody still operates under the delusion that the US actually cares about democracy and freedom. Economic self-interest is always Number One, whether in government or the private sector. I guess in Trump's case literal economic self-interest comes first.

Trump is the extreme---interested solely in personal gain---but other Presidents have been similarly hypocritical.

In 2007, Myanmar suffered the Saffron Revolution, where to quell protests, the Tatmadaw gunned down Buddhist monks in the street. The US responded with platitudes about supporting freedom, and then imposed harsh sanctions on Myanmar and SPDC.

About a year later, China quelled protests in Tibet by gunning down Buddhist monks in the street. Shortly thereafter, President Bush attended the opening ceremonies of the Olympics. Zero sanctions.

US morality only extends as far as its wallet. If it costs nothing to be noble, the US is first in line, barking loudly about things which really are just so quaint, like freedom.

On 5/16/2026 at 4:38 AM, webfact said:

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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I think Trump has now green lighted Xi on Taiwan. The WH will complain about it. But Trump has already indicated he's not for sending US forces 9,500 miles to fight Taiwan's wars. I agree with others that, strategically, Xi should wait until Trump's last year/months in office before making the move.

The example Taiwan should look at is Hong Kong. Promises about one country two systems completely forgotten. Protesters rounded up and imprisoned.

Although it is possible that China will wait before it imposes its will, it won't be long. Of course, the number of billionaires in China implies it is not so Communist these days.

On 5/16/2026 at 8:29 AM, Srikcir said:

Was it Taiwan or Iran? Apparently Trump kept referring to Iran when the discussion was about Taiwan.

They both end in "an". Same, same.

On 5/17/2026 at 8:37 AM, Thingamabob said:

The members of those families who fled to Taiwan from mainland China during and after the Chinese civil war are mainly KMT members, and favour unification with China. The Taiwanese, however, are very much in favour of maintaining their independence. Communist China's claim that Taiwan is a part of China is false, to put it mildly. Taiwan belongs to the Taiwanese.

The Taiwanese ?
And who are the people in Taiwan ? Well, there are three groups.
The first lot are a load of Chinese who left China after 1949, and there children and grand-children. Yes, you're right, most of them are KMT members and they favour unification/re-unification with mainland-China.
The second lot are a load of Chinese who are descended from Chinese who left China back in the 1600s.

Both groups of Chinese look the same, and they both speak Mandarin Chinese.

And there's a third group. This third group are people who are indigenous to the island of Taiwan, these people don't look the same as Chinese. In the same way that aborigenes in Australia have had their place taken over by a load of settlers/invaders, well, the indigenous people of Taiwan have had their island taken over by a load of Chinese. The indigenous people of Taiwan make up roughly 2% of todays Taiwan. Yes, Chinese started the removal of the local population from the 1600s onwards, driving them towards extinction. Bit like the aborigenes in Australia.

How about, all Chinese in Taiwan go back home to China ? I say that with sarcasm. I'm only trying to say that, when we go on about the Taiwanese, well, we're stepping onto a confusing and complicated area.

On 5/17/2026 at 7:29 AM, MikeandDow said:

Do you read the news about China and Taiwan, think you need too

How about you?

https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/countries-that-recognize-taiwan

The Historical Reason Taiwan is Not Considered a Country

Taiwan was self-governing until the 1600s. During the 17th century, it spent time as a colony of the Netherlands, then regained its independence before being taken over again—this time by China, which ruled the island for two centuries. This lasted until 1895, when Japan gained control of Taiwan after the First Sino-Japanese War, making Taiwan a Japanese colony. Following Japan’s defeat in World War II, Taiwan was returned to Chinese control in 1945. Also in 1945, China—officially titled the Republic of China (RoC) at the time—became a founding member of the United Nations.

6 hours ago, tonbridgebrit said:

The Taiwanese ?
And who are the people in Taiwan ? Well, there are three groups.
The first lot are a load of Chinese who left China after 1949, and there children and grand-children. Yes, you're right, most of them are KMT members and they favour unification/re-unification with mainland-China.
The second lot are a load of Chinese who are descended from Chinese who left China back in the 1600s.

Both groups of Chinese look the same, and they both speak Mandarin Chinese.

And there's a third group. This third group are people who are indigenous to the island of Taiwan, these people don't look the same as Chinese. In the same way that aborigenes in Australia have had their place taken over by a load of settlers/invaders, well, the indigenous people of Taiwan have had their island taken over by a load of Chinese. The indigenous people of Taiwan make up roughly 2% of todays Taiwan. Yes, Chinese started the removal of the local population from the 1600s onwards, driving them towards extinction. Bit like the aborigenes in Australia.

How about, all Chinese in Taiwan go back home to China ? I say that with sarcasm. I'm only trying to say that, when we go on about the Taiwanese, well, we're stepping onto a confusing and complicated area.

6 hours ago, tonbridgebrit said:

The Taiwanese ?
And who are the people in Taiwan ? Well, there are three groups.
The first lot are a load of Chinese who left China after 1949, and there children and grand-children. Yes, you're right, most of them are KMT members and they favour unification/re-unification with mainland-China.
The second lot are a load of Chinese who are descended from Chinese who left China back in the 1600s.

Both groups of Chinese look the same, and they both speak Mandarin Chinese.

And there's a third group. This third group are people who are indigenous to the island of Taiwan, these people don't look the same as Chinese. In the same way that aborigenes in Australia have had their place taken over by a load of settlers/invaders, well, the indigenous people of Taiwan have had their island taken over by a load of Chinese. The indigenous people of Taiwan make up roughly 2% of todays Taiwan. Yes, Chinese started the removal of the local population from the 1600s onwards, driving them towards extinction. Bit like the aborigenes in Australia.

How about, all Chinese in Taiwan go back home to China ? I say that with sarcasm. I'm only trying to say that, when we go on about the Taiwanese, well, we're stepping onto a confusing and complicated area.

Those people who arrived from southern China over hundreds of years prior to the influx as a result of the Chinese civil war do not speak Mandarin as a first language. They , speak a version of Hokkien known as Taiwanese.