Taiwanese officials have confirmed that their territory is already a sovereign and independent country, with no need for any declaration, following U.S. President Donald Trump's warning against Taiwan making an official declaration of independence.
On 16 May 2026, Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement affirming that they are already a "sovereign and independent" country, after U.S. President Donald Trump, who recently visited China, warned Taiwan against officially declaring independence.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs statement said Taiwan appreciates the long-standing support of U.S. President Donald Trump in maintaining peace and security in the Taiwan Strait, while firmly affirming that Taiwan is a "sovereign and independent" country.
"Taiwan is a democratic country that is independent and sovereign, and is neither a colony nor under the control of the People's Republic of China," the Taiwanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated.
Furthermore, the ministry affirmed that U.S. arms sales are part of Washington's security commitments to Taiwan, following signals from Trump that he is considering this issue.
"Regarding arms sales between Taiwan and the U.S., this is not only a clear security commitment the U.S. has to Taiwan as specified in the Taiwan Relations Act, but also a form of cooperation to deter threats in the region," the statement added.
Meanwhile, Chen Ming-tzu, Taiwan's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, also confirmed at a press conference in Taipei that U.S. arms sales are authorized under the Taiwan Relations Act.
"Arms sales between Taiwan and the U.S. have been a crucial foundation for maintaining peace and security in the region," Chen said.
Last December, the administration under Trump approved a record-breaking arms sales package to Taiwan worth 11 billion U.S. dollars, while Reuters reported there is a second package valued at approximately 14 billion U.S. dollars awaiting Trump's approval.
Previously, Trump clearly expressed his opposition to Taiwan declaring independence and appeared to question why the U.S. should be obligated to defend the island if attacked.
"I do not want anyone to stand up and declare independence, and you know that we would be expected to travel as far as 9,500 miles to go to war. I do not want that," Trump told Fox News journalist Bret Baier. "I want them to calm down first, and I also want China to calm down."
"We do not want war, and if you keep the status quo as it is, I think China would be okay with that," he added.
Under the Taiwan Relations Act, the U.S. government is obligated to provide arms to Taiwan for self-defense, but the law remains ambiguous on whether U.S. forces would directly provide military assistance to the island.
/International news updates:https://www.thairath.co.th/news/foreign
Source:france24