Trump Warns Taiwan Against Formal Independence After China Visit

WASHINGTON: (Web Desk) – Donald Trump warned Taiwan against formally declaring independence after wrapping up his visit to China, where Chinese President Xi Jinping urged Washington not to support separatist moves by the self-ruled island.

Trump described his trip as successful, claiming the two sides had reached “fantastic” trade agreements, although no major details were publicly disclosed. The US president also invited Xi to visit Washington in September, signalling efforts to maintain stability in relations between the world’s two biggest economies.

Speaking to Fox News after the summit, Trump said he did not want Taiwan to move toward formal independence and questioned the prospect of the United States entering a military conflict over the island. He stressed the importance of reducing tensions between Beijing and Taipei and called for both sides to remain calm.

The United States officially recognizes Beijing rather than Taipei, while continuing to supply defensive weapons to Taiwan under US law. Washington has traditionally maintained strategic ambiguity over whether American forces would directly defend the island in the event of a Chinese attack.

Xi Trump Beijing Trade Deals: Trump Says ‘Fantastic’

Xi reportedly cautioned Trump that mishandling the Taiwan issue could trigger conflict. Taiwan’s government later thanked the United States for supporting peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait after remarks from Secretary of State Marco Rubio reaffirmed unchanged US policy toward Taipei.

During the visit, Boeing confirmed that China had made an initial commitment to purchase 200 aircraft, with the possibility of additional orders in the future. Trump also claimed China would increase purchases of American oil and soybeans, though Beijing did not release further details on broader trade agreements.

The summit also touched on the ongoing tensions involving Iran. Trump said Xi assured him that China was not preparing military assistance for Tehran amid regional instability and rising global oil prices linked to disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump additionally revealed that he failed to persuade Xi to release jailed Hong Kong media businessman and democracy advocate Jimmy Lai. Analysts noted that economic cooperation appeared to remain Trump’s main priority throughout the visit.