In response to Trump, Taiwan says it is ‘sovereign and independent’
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- Taiwan issued a statement declaring it is 'sovereign and independent' while pledging to keep the cross‑strait status quo and not formally declare independence.
- Trump told Fox News after his meeting with Xi that he is 'not looking for somebody to go independent' and wants China to 'cool down,' while not committing to a new $11 billion arms package for Taiwan.
- Xi told Trump that Taiwan is the 'most important issue in China‑US relations' and warned that mishandling it could push the relationship into a 'highly perilous situation.'
- U.S. Congress had already approved an $11 billion arms package for Taiwan, but Trump said he 'hasn't approved it yet' and will decide later.
Why it matters: The statement reinforces Taiwan's de‑facto autonomy, keeping the status quo which benefits regional stability, while the pending $11 billion U.S. arms package remains unsigned, limiting Taiwan's defense upgrades and testing U.S. political resolve.
