Taiwan Presses US to Honour Arms Deal After Trump-Xi SummitTaipei Concerned as Trump Warns Against Formal Independence Declaration

TAIPEI / WASHINGTON — Taiwan has urged the United States to follow through on its commitment to provide defensive arms, after President Donald Trump issued a warning to the self-governing island not to formally declare independence — remarks that came in the wake of his high-profile summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
The timing of Trump’s warning has raised alarm in Taipei, with many viewing it as a sign that Washington may be softening its stance on Taiwan as part of broader diplomatic accommodations with Beijing.
Taiwan, which has never formally declared independence but governs itself as a democracy separate from mainland China, considers US arms supplies essential to deterring any potential military aggression from Beijing. Taipei is now pressing Washington to accelerate pending arms deals and reaffirm its defence commitments under the Taiwan Relations Act.
The developments highlight the delicate balancing act facing the Trump administration — managing its relationship with China while honouring longstanding security obligations to Taiwan. Analysts warn that any perceived weakening of US support could embolden Beijing and destabilise the already tense situation in the Taiwan Strait.
The issue is expected to dominate upcoming discussions between US and Taiwanese officials.