Trump's independence warning prompts response from Taiwan
Key Points:
- US President Donald Trump warned Taiwan against formally declaring independence from China, expressing reluctance to support military intervention in such a scenario.
- Trump emphasized a desire for both Taiwan and China to "cool down" tensions during his recent visit to Beijing.
- Taiwan's foreign ministry responded by reaffirming its status as a "sovereign democratic country" and rejecting Beijing's claims over the island.
- Taiwan pledged to continue cooperating with the US to maintain peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.
- China considers Taiwan a breakaway province and regards the issue as central to China-US relations, with President Xi Jinping not ruling out the use of force.