U.S. President Donald Trump has described arms sales to Taiwan as a very good negotiating chip in dealings with China. These comments, made during a Fox News interview with Bret Baier following a high-stakes visit to China and a meeting with President Xi Jinping, have raised questions about the steadfastness of U.S. support for the island.
Trump stated that he is holding arms sales in abeyance and that the outcome depends on China. Additionally, the U.S. president warned Taiwan against formally declaring independence in the wake of his summit with Xi.
In response, Taiwan's foreign ministry maintained that the island is a sovereign and independent nation and asserted that Beijing has no right to claim jurisdiction over Taiwan. Taipei reminded the U.S. of its security commitment to provide arms and stated it will maintain the status quo while deepening ties with the United States.