Taiwan's president responded to the Trump-Xi summit, reaffirming the island's independence while pledging not to escalate tensions.
10:28 AM
Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te said Monday that the self-governed island will not provoke conflict but will not surrender its sovereignty, in his first direct response to a high-stakes summit between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping where Taiwan's status was discussed.
In a statement posted on social media following the Trump-Xi meeting, Lai reaffirmed Taiwan's position as an independent democratic state whose future must be determined by its own people. "Taiwan will not provoke conflict nor increase tension, but will not cede its sovereignty or dignity under pressure, nor its free and democratic way of life," Lai said.
According to Chinese state media, Xi told Trump during their summit that Taiwan, claimed by Beijing as a province, was "the most important issue" in bilateral relations and that mishandling it could lead to conflict. Trump subsequently told Fox News that he was "not looking to have somebody go independent," while stating that U.S. policy on Taiwan had not changed and that he did not seek conflict.
The United States is bound by law to provide Taiwan with the means to defend itself. Trump said during his remarks that U.S. policy toward Taiwan remained unchanged.
Lai emphasized that Taiwan has "always been a defender of the status quo on both sides of the strait" and has no intention of changing it. He stressed the importance of promoting "good information exchange" and reiterated that Taiwan constitutes a country in its own right, despite Beijing's position that it is a province.
Taiwan says it remains sovereign and independent following Trump's Beijing visit, where he cautioned against formal independence declaration.
Donald Trump announced he will raise U.S. weapons sales to Taiwan during his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping later this week in Beijing.
U.S. President Donald Trump stated Cuba is requesting assistance and said his administration will engage in talks with the island nation.
Miguel Díaz-Canel said Cuba will prepare to defend itself if attacked, as Trump escalates rhetoric against the island nation.
President cites October 7 attacks and nuclear concerns as reasons for conflict that began February 28.
The United States and Iran confronted each other Monday as 191 parties began reviewing the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty, with Iran's election as vice president sparking dispute.