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Trump told Taiwan not to 'go independent' - but does it want to?

May 19, 2026

Following a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, Donald Trump issued stark warnings to Taiwan against pursuing independence, stating he does not want America traveling thousands of miles to fight a war and urging both sides to "cool down. " These comments represent some of the strongest statements a US president has made on the sensitive Taiwan issue, though Trump maintains that US policy remains unchanged. Taiwan's government, under President Lai Ching-te, has responded by reiterating its longstanding position that the island already considers itself independent and therefore sees no need for a formal declaration.

Who is affected

  • Taiwan and its citizens, particularly under President Lai Ching-te and the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) government
  • Chinese President Xi Jinping and the Chinese government in Beijing
  • The United States government and military under President Donald Trump
  • Former President Joe Biden (referenced for previous policy positions)
  • Taiwan's Legislative Yuan (parliament)
  • US think tanks and analysts, specifically Ryan Hass from the Brookings Institution

What action is being taken

  • China is conducting military drills simulating blockades around Taiwan
  • China is engaging in greyzone warfare by sending warships and fighter jets close to Taiwanese waters and airspace on a regular basis
  • China is working toward the diplomatic isolation of Taiwan
  • Taiwan is strengthening its military defenses and conducting a military build-up
  • The US continues to sell weapons to Taiwan under the Taiwan Relations Act

Why it matters

  • This issue matters because Taiwan represents the most important and sensitive topic in US-China relations, with potential to trigger direct military conflict between two major powers. An attack on Taiwan would likely draw the US into war with China due to America's legal obligations under the Taiwan Relations Act to provide defensive support. Trump's comments have raised concerns among observers that the US may be wavering in its commitment to Taiwan, potentially emboldening Beijing to increase pressure on the island. The situation affects regional stability in Asia and could have global economic and security ramifications given Taiwan's strategic importance.

What's next

  • Trump stated he will "make a determination over the next fairly short period" regarding approval of a potential $14 billion arms package to Taiwan
  • Trump expressed a desire to speak directly with President Lai Ching-te
  • Observers will be watching for signs of any actual US policy shift toward Taiwan, particularly regarding the pending arms sales approval

Read full article from source: BBC