Trump and Xi Discuss Taiwan at Beijing Summit

US President Donald Trump cautioned Taiwan against declaring formal independence from China in remarks made hours after wrapping up a two-day summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing. Trump told Fox News he is “not looking to have somebody go independent” and wants both Beijing and Taipei to “cool down” tensions.

He said Xi “feels very strongly about the island” and does not want to see a movement for independence.

During the meetings the two leaders spoke “a lot” about Taiwan, Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One en route back to Washington. He declined to say whether the United States would defend the island if attacked. Trump added that he does not foresee conflict with China over Taiwan, stating “I think we’ll be fine.”

According to Chinese state media, Xi told Trump that the Taiwan question “is the most important issue in China-US relations” and that “if mishandled, the two nations could collide or even come into conflict.” Trump said he had made “no commitment either way” on the island, which Beijing claims as its territory.

The United States maintains diplomatic relations with Beijing while being bound by domestic law to provide Taiwan with means of self-defense. Washington’s long-standing position is that it does not support Taiwanese independence. ” He stated he would decide soon whether to proceed with the sale, saying “I may do it.

Late last year the administration announced an $11 billion weapons package for Taiwan that included advanced rocket launchers and various missiles.