Taiwan insists it is independent after Trump warning

Taiwan insisted it is a sovereign, independent nation after US President Donald Trump cautioned it against formally declaring independence from China. Trump's remarks came after a two-day summit in Beijing, after which he said he had "made no commitment either way" about the self-governing island. After talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Trump also said he would soon decide whether to approve an $11bn ($8bn) package of weapons to be sold to Taiwan.

Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te has previously stated that Taiwan does not need to declare formal independence because it already sees itself as a sovereign nation. Presidential spokesperson Karen Kuo said it was "self-evident" that Taiwan was "a sovereign, independent democratic country". She added that Taiwan was committed to maintaining the status quo with China - in which Taiwan neither declares independence from China nor unites with it. Trump reiterated that US policy on Taiwan had not changed, while making it clear he did not seek conflict with Beijing. He said, "I'm not looking to have somebody go independent." He also said, "You know, we're supposed to travel 9,500 miles (15,289km) to fight a war. I'm not looking for that. I want them to cool down. I want China to cool down."

On the flight back to Washington, Trump told reporters that he and Xi had spoken "a lot" about the island, but said he had declined to discuss whether the US would defend it. Xi "feels very strongly" about the island and "doesn't want to see a movement for independence", Trump said. Trump said the impending arms package would be discussed with Taiwan's leadership. Taiwan's presidential spokesman said, "Our nation is grateful to President Trump