Taiwan responds after the Trump–Xi summit: We are a sovereign nation

The Taiwanese government reacted firmly after statements made by Donald Trump following the meeting with Xi Jinping in Beijing. The Taiwanese Foreign Ministry stated that the island is "a sovereign and independent democratic nation" and is not under China's control. The reaction comes after Trump stated that he does not want Taiwan's independence and suggested that the U.S. would not provide unconditional military support in the event of a conflict with China.

In discussions with the press, Trump said that he and Xi talked extensively about Taiwan and that the Chinese leader directly asked whether the U.S. would defend the island in the event of an attack, but he avoided giving a clear answer. Beijing continues to consider Taiwan part of its territory and demands the cessation of American arms sales to the island. Meanwhile, historian Niall Ferguson warned that Xi's rhetoric regarding Taiwan resembles the rhetoric used by Vladimir Putin before the invasion of Ukraine.