Washington: US President Donald Trump emphasized in a recent interview that he wants Taiwan and China to "cool down" amidst rising tensions between the two regions. In remarks aired on Friday, Trump expressed uncertainty regarding a significant weapons package intended for Taiwan.
According to Anadolu Agency, Trump stated, "I'm not looking to have someone go independent, and we have to travel 9,500 miles to fight a war. I want Taiwan to cool down, I want China to cool down," during his discussion with Fox News. When questioned about the status of a multibillion-dollar arms package for Taiwan, Trump mentioned that he had not yet approved it and that the situation was still under review.
In the interview, Trump was asked whether Taiwanese citizens should feel more or less secure following his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Trump described his stance as "neutral" and explained that the Taiwan issue dominated their talks, which he referred to as "the most important thing" for President Xi. Trump further remarked, "Now with me, I don't think they'll do anything when I'm here. When I'm not here, I think they might."
The US president also expressed a desire for Taiwanese semiconductor companies to relocate to the United States. He noted, "We have massive amounts of chip companies now from Taiwan already coming in," and projected that the US would control 40 to 50% of the global chip market by the end of his term. Trump criticized past US presidents for their handling of Taiwan, arguing that they enabled Taiwan's development at the expense of US interests and suggested imposing tariffs on chips from Taipei.
Tensions between China and Taiwan remain high, with Xi Jinping previously stating that peace across the Taiwan Strait is "irreconcilable as fire and water" with Taiwan's independence. He emphasized that maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait is a significant shared interest between China and Taiwan.
In a related statement, Taiwan declared itself a "sovereign and independent democratic nation" and rejected any claims by Beijing regarding its status. Taiwan's Presidential Office highlighted the continued support from the US, including reassurances from President Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, affirming the US's consistent policy toward Taiwan, as reported by Taipei-based Central News Agency.
The US, as Taiwan's primary arms supplier, approved $11 billion in arms sales last year, attracting criticism from Beijing. China regards Taiwan as a "breakaway province," while Taiwan has asserted its independence since 1949.