US President Donald Trump has warned Taiwan against formally declaring independence from China. Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te has previously stated that Taiwan does not need to declare independence, as it already considers itself a sovereign nation. The US has long supported Taiwan, including providing it with means of self-defence under US law, while balancing its diplomatic relationship with China.
Trump earlier stated that he had made no commitment regarding the self-governing island, which China claims as part of its territory. Washington maintains that it does not support Taiwanese independence, while continuing diplomatic ties with Beijing under the One China policy. Many people in Taiwan identify as part of a separate nation, although most favour maintaining the current status quo, where Taiwan neither formally declares independence nor unifies with China.
Trump said in an interview that he and Xi Jinping had discussed Taiwan extensively, but he declined to comment on whether the US would defend the island. Trump added that Xi feels very strongly about Taiwan and opposes any move toward independence.
