Taiwan Will Not Be Sacrificed in US-China Talks, President Says

Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te said Taiwan will not be "sacrificed or traded" within the framework of US-China relations, responding to concerns raised by recent talks between US President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing. The meeting prompted anxiety in Taiwan over Washington's future support for the island.

Lai stressed that Taiwan will not give up its democracy, freedom or sovereignty under pressure from Beijing. He praised continued US support, including arms sales, which he described as a legitimate security commitment under the Taiwan Relations Act.

Trump said after his meeting with Xi Jinping that he had not yet decided on another arms package for Taiwan and that Washington does not support a unilateral declaration of independence for the island.

Lai also reaffirmed that Taiwan remains a sovereign democratic country whose future must be determined by its own people. Beijing has not yet officially responded to his comments.

(reuters, mja)