Taiwan says it is an 'independent' nation, after Trump's warning

Taiwan said Saturday it is an "independent" nation, hours after U.S. President Donald Trump warned the democratic island against declaring formal independence.

Trump wrapped up a state visit to Beijing on Friday, where Chinese President Xi Jinping had pressed him not to support Taiwan, which China claims is part of its territory.

Taiwan depends heavily on U.S. security backing to deter China from carrying out its threat to annex the island by force.

Taiwan "is a sovereign and independent democratic nation, and is not subordinate to the People's Republic of China," Taiwan's foreign ministry said in a statement.

The ministry also insisted that U.S. arms sales were part of Washington's security commitment to Taiwan, after Trump said it "depends on China" and was a "very good negotiating chip for us."

Taiwan's statements came after Trump issued a warning to the island against making a declaration of independence.

"I'm not looking to have somebody go independent. And, you know, we're supposed to travel 9,500 miles to fight a war. I'm not looking for that," he told Fox News' "Special Report with Bret Baier."

"I want them to cool down. I want China to cool down," Trump said.

"We're not looking to have wars, and if you kept it the way it is, I think China's going to be OK with that."

But Trump added that "nothing's changed" on U.S. policy towards Taiwan.

The United States recognises only Beijing and does not support formal independence by Taiwan, but historically has stopped short of explicitly saying it opposes independence.

Under U.S. law, the United States is required to provide weapons to Taiwan for its defence, but it has been ambiguous on whether U.S. forces would come to the island's aid.

Xi had begun the summit with a warning on Taiwan, whose President Lai Ching-te considers the island already independent, making a declaration unnecessary.

The Chinese leader told Trump that missteps on the sensitive issue could cause "conflict."

Taiwan's Presidential Office noted Saturday the "multiple reaffirmations from the U.S. side, including President Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, that the consistent U.S. policy and position toward Taiwan remain unchanged."

"Taiwan looks forward to continuing to work with the U.S. under the firm commitments of the Taiwan Relations Act," spokeswoman Karen Kuo said in a statement.

AFP