Taiwan Representative Says U.S. Heard Only China's View on Taiwan During Trump-Xi Summit

Taiwan's representative to the United States, Alexander Yui, said Sunday that Taiwan wants peace and stability and is not responsible for current tensions with China. "We want to have our lives going on as usual. " Yui said President Trump heard only China's account of the Taiwan issue during the summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

He added that Taiwan would like the opportunity to present its own perspective, which he described as one of resilience against Chinese actions.

President Trump returned from the two-day summit in Beijing on Friday. He told reporters aboard Air Force One that the leaders discussed Taiwan at length. Chinese state media reported that Xi warned Trump of possible clashes or conflicts if the Taiwan issue is not handled properly.

Trump said he made no commitment on pending weapons sales to Taiwan and described them as a potential negotiating tool. Yui said Trump's statements indicated support for maintaining the current situation in the Taiwan Strait without economic or military pressure from either side.

Yui said Taiwan's emphasis on independence refers to remaining free from Chinese control and preserving its sovereignty, democracy, and economy. He stated that Taiwan does not seek formal independence from China but wants to maintain its separate status.

Yui compared Taiwan's security measures to a homeowner improving protection against intruders. He said Taiwan does not want war but seeks to strengthen its defenses. Yui noted that tensions over Taiwan have existed since 1949 and are not tied to the current ruling party in Taiwan.