Taiwan’s government has reaffirmed its sovereignty following remarks by US President Donald Trump warning against any formal declaration of independence by the island, a position that has reignited debate over cross-strait relations.
In a statement issued on Saturday, Taiwan’s foreign ministry said that “Beijing has no right to claim jurisdiction over Taiwan,” and reiterated that the island operates as a “sovereign democratic country.” The response came after Trump’s comments during a media interview in which he discussed US policy toward Taiwan while visiting Beijing earlier this week.
Trump said he did not support Taiwan declaring independence from China, while also questioning the extent of US military involvement should a conflict erupt in the region. He argued that the United States should avoid being drawn into a potential war far from its own territory, adding that he wanted to see tensions ease on both sides.
“I’m not looking to have somebody go independent and, you know, we’re supposed to travel 9,500 miles to fight a war,” he said. “I want them to cool down. I want China to cool down.”
Taiwan’s foreign ministry thanked Washington for its broader support in maintaining regional stability but firmly rejected any suggestion that its political status is negotiable. It said the government would continue strengthening cooperation with the United States and other partners to preserve peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.
The ministry added that Taiwan would pursue a strategy of “peace through strength” while resisting any attempt to undermine its autonomy or democratic system.
The statement followed renewed comments from Beijing, where a spokesperson for Chinese President Xi Jinping described Taiwan as the “most important issue in China–US relations.” China continues to regard Taiwan as part of its territory and has not ruled out the use of force to achieve reunification.
Beijing maintains that Taiwan is a breakaway province, while Taiwan operates as a self-governed democracy with its own elected leadership, military and constitution. The United States does not formally recognise Taiwan as an independent state but maintains close unofficial ties and provides defensive support under longstanding policy arrangements.
The latest exchange highlights the continuing diplomatic sensitivity surrounding Taiwan’s status, particularly as global powers balance strategic interests in the Indo-Pacific region. Analysts say any shift in US rhetoric is closely monitored in both Taipei and Beijing, given the potential implications for regional security.
While Washington’s official position on Taiwan remains unchanged, Trump’s comments have added new attention to the debate over deterrence, military commitments and the risk of escalation in one of the world’s most volatile flashpoints.
