In a recent statement, Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs addressed remarks made by former U.S. President Donald Trump regarding the island’s self-determination. The ministry emphasized Taiwan’s status as a sovereign and independent democratic state, asserting that it does not fall under the jurisdiction of the People’s Republic of China (PRC).
The Taiwanese government reiterated that Beijing has no right to make claims over the island, while acknowledging the undeniable sovereignty of the PRC. The statement highlighted Taiwan’s commitment to deepen cooperation with the United States, aiming to maintain peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, which aligns with the interests of Taiwan, the U.S., and other democratic nations.
“Our government will continue to deepen cooperation with the United States, bringing peace through strength and ensuring that the security and stability of the Taiwan Strait are not threatened or undermined,” the statement read.
Furthermore, Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed appreciation for Trump’s ongoing support for the island’s security since his first term, noting record levels of announced arms sales.
“Cooperation between Taiwan and the U.S. has always been demonstrated through actions, and Taiwan expects the U.S. to continue fulfilling its commitments under the Taiwan Relations Act,” the ministry concluded.
On May 15, during a press conference, Trump was asked whether the people of Taiwan should feel more or less secure following his meetings with Chinese leader Xi Jinping. He affirmed that U.S. policy towards Taiwan remains unchanged but cautioned the Taiwanese government against declaring independence or assuming a blank check for American military support in the event of a conflict with China.
Background on Taiwan-China Relations
The PRC views Taiwan, which operates independently and has its own constitution and democratically elected leaders, as part of its territory and has not ruled out the use of force to assert control over the island. Tensions escalated following U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan in August 2022, marking the first visit by a high-ranking American official in 25 years.
On December 26, 2022, Taiwan reported the largest incursion into its airspace by Chinese military aircraft, with 71 planes, including fighters and drones, entering the island’s air defense identification zone in a single day. Since then, China has intensified its military pressure on Taiwan, conducting military exercises near the island during the Lunar New Year.
Additionally, on January 17, a Chinese reconnaissance drone entered Taiwan’s airspace near the Pratas Islands for the first time. Although Taiwan has never been governed by the PRC and has maintained its own administration since the latter’s establishment in 1949, the Chinese Communist Party considers the island a province that must be reunified with the mainland, even threatening military action to achieve this goal.
China’s military presence and exercises aimed at Taiwan are seen as part of a broader strategy to coerce the island into accepting Beijing’s control over its democratic governance.
Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reaffirmed its sovereignty in response to Donald Trump's comments on the island's independence. The statement underscores Taiwan's commitment to cooperation with the U.S. amid rising tensions with China.