Taipei: President Lai Ching-te declared on Sunday that Taiwan "will never be sacrificed or traded away" in response to U.S. President Donald Trump's caution to Taiwan about declaring independence from China. This statement followed Trump's comments after his summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping, where he advised against any move towards Taiwanese independence.
According to Focus Taiwan, Trump's remarks were made during an interview with Fox News after his two-day state visit to China. Trump expressed that while he hopes for eased tensions between Taiwan and China, the U.S. does not support a unilateral declaration of independence by Taiwan. He further mentioned the possibility of a new round of U.S. weapons sales to Taiwan but did not confirm whether he would approve it.
President Lai addressed the heightened public attention on Taiwan-related issues post the Trump-Xi meeting. He affirmed that Taiwan's national security team has kept him informed of current developments. Lai emphasized Taiwan's stance that both the Republic of China and the People's Republic of China are separate entities, with Taiwan's sovereignty being non-negotiable, and its future to be determined by its people.
Lai reiterated that these sentiments reflect the status quo Taiwan aims to maintain, dismissing any notion of a 'Taiwan independence issue.' He highlighted the significance of U.S. arms sales under the Taiwan Relations Act, portraying them as essential deterrents against regional instability and a testament to U.S. security commitments.
Acknowledging President Trump's ongoing support, Lai thanked him for the arms sales that enhance Taiwan's defense capabilities. He stressed the necessity of continued U.S. arms sales and deepened security cooperation amidst China's military expansion and refusal to renounce force against Taiwan.
President Lai further underscored Taiwan's strategic importance in Indo-Pacific security, its role in global AI and semiconductor development, and its integration into global supply chains. He warned that any disruption in the Taiwan Strait would not only challenge international rules but also impact Indo-Pacific security and the global economy.