Taiwan responds after Xi warns Trump over Taiwan during Beijing talks
Taiwan has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening ties with the United States following President Donald Trump’s meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing.
Karen Kuo, spokesperson for Taiwan leader Lai Ching-te, thanked Trump for his “continued support” for the island while defending Taiwan’s sovereignty and security position.
“We will further deepen Taiwan-US cooperation - achieving peace through strength - to ensure that the security and stability of the Taiwan Strait is not threatened or undermined,” Kuo said on Saturday, May 16.
She accused China of increasing military pressure in the region and said Taiwan would continue strengthening its defences alongside the United States.
The comments followed Trump’s visit to China from May 13 to 15, during which Taiwan was discussed with Xi. According to Chinese statements, Xi warned that mishandling the Taiwan issue could push China and the United States toward “clashes and even conflicts.”
Xi also referred to the “Thucydides Trap,” a theory describing conflict between a rising power and an established one, often used in discussions about relations between China and the United States.
During his return flight to Washington on Friday, Trump downplayed the immediate risk of conflict with China.
“We don’t need a war that’s 9,500 miles away,” he told reporters aboard Air Force One.
Trump also confirmed that he had made “no commitment either way” regarding a proposed $14 billion US arms package for Taiwan after Xi reportedly raised objections during their talks.
He further declined to say whether the United States would send troops to defend Taiwan in the event of military escalation.
“Regarding US President Trump’s recent media interview comments on Taiwan, the Presidential Office has taken note,” Kuo added, referring to Trump’s remarks on arms sales and military support.
The visit marked the first trip to China by a US president since Trump’s previous visit during his first term in 2017.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
