Taiwan President Reiterates Sovereignty Stance Amidst Cross-Strait Tensions

Taipei. Taiwan President Lai Ching-te has stated that Taiwan does not wish to provoke any kind of conflict but will not give up its sovereignty under any circumstances.

Lai made this statement in response to the issue of Taiwan's independence being raised during the high-level meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

According to Chinese state media, Xi told Trump that Taiwan is the 'most important issue' in the bilateral relationship between the two countries. He also warned that mishandling this issue could lead to conflict. After his Beijing visit, Trump also warned Taiwan against pursuing independence, stating in an interview with Fox News that 'I don't want to encourage anyone to be independent.'

However, Trump clarified that the US policy on Taiwan has not changed, stating that Washington does not want conflict with Beijing. He mentioned that Xi Jinping is very sensitive about the Taiwan issue and that he had not made any commitments. The US has long been an ally of Taiwan. According to US law, Washington is obliged to provide Taiwan with the necessary means for self-defense.

President Lai and his predecessor Tsai Ing-wen have long held the view that Taiwan is already considered a sovereign nation, thus formal declaration of independence is unnecessary. In a Facebook post, Lai stated, 'There is no issue of Taiwan's independence,' adding, 'Taiwan, Republic of China is a sovereign and independent democratic country.'

He stated that the decision regarding Taiwan's future should be based on the will of all Taiwanese people. He also clarified that Taiwan will not escalate tensions but will not abandon its national sovereignty, dignity, and democratic way of life due to pressure.

Lai also stated that Taiwan is ready for healthy dialogue and exchange with China on the basis of equality and respect. However, he said that attempts to create pressure on Taiwan in the name of 'unification' are unacceptable.