US President Donald Trump has warned Taiwan against declaring formal independence after a visit to China, whose leader Xi Jinping had pressed him against US support to the breakaway island.
Trump ended a state visit on Friday, saying he made "fantastic" trade deals, and invited President Xi Jinping to pay a reciprocal visit to Washington in September, signalling both sides will likely seek stability in the often turbulent relationship between the world's two largest economies.
On a key issue for Xi, Trump made clear he opposed a declaration of independence by Taiwan and appeared to question why the United States would defend the island in case of attack.
"I'm not looking to have somebody go independent. And, you know, we're supposed to travel 9,500 miles to fight a war. I'm not looking for that," he told Fox News host Brett Baier.
"I want them to cool down. I want China to cool down," Trump said.
"We're not looking to have wars, and if you kept it the way it is, I think China's going to be OK with that."
Weapons to Taiwan
The United States recognises only Beijing and does not support formal independence by Taiwan, but historically has also stopped short of explicitly saying it opposes independence.
Under US law, the United States is required to provide weapons to Taiwan for its defence, but it has been ambiguous on whether US forces would come to the island's aid.
Xi had begun the summit with a warning on Taiwan. He told Trump that missteps on the sensitive issue could push their two countries into "conflict".
Trump, meanwhile, said he’s not yet made a determination on whether a major US sale of arms to Taiwan can move forward, but added, "I will make a determination."
The Trump administration has authorised the sale but it has yet to move forward. China opposes the deal and has suggested that Washington’s relationship with the island is the key factor in China-US relations.
