Taiwan condemns Xi Jinping’s remarks on island’s future

The Taiwanese government has condemned remarks made by Chinese President Xi Jinping regarding the future of the island, labeling them a “distortion of facts.” The comments were made during a meeting between Xi and U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington.

Xi Jinping stated that China’s position on pursuing national “reunification” and territorial integrity is clear, expressing hope that the United States would maintain the “correct position” by opposing Taiwan’s independence. In response, Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs asserted that sovereignty belongs to the people of Taiwan and that the Chinese Communist Party has no right to represent them. The ministry emphasized that the island's future can only be decided by its residents through democratic means.

While the United States remains Taiwan’s most significant international supporter and arms supplier, Trump previously indicated he would delay planned arms sales following a meeting with Xi in Beijing. Taiwan characterized China as the “true violator” of regional peace and stability, citing military threats in the East and South China Seas. Taipei stated it will continue to work closely with the U.S. and other partners to maintain peace in the Taiwan Strait.