Trump warns Taipei against declaring independence

Washington: US President Donald Trump has cautioned Taiwan against formally declaring independence from China, following a two-day summit in Beijing. Speaking after his meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Trump stated he was not looking to support independence movements or eng­age the US in a distant conflict.  

However, Trump also heightened local anxieties by describing American arms sales to Taiwan as a “very good negotiating chip” in dealings with Beijing. He indicated that a delayed $14 billion arms package remains in abeyance depending on China's actions. 

Xi previously warned Trump of potential clashes if the issue is mishandled, branding Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te a troublemaker. Taiwan’s presidential office emphasised that its sovereignty is self-evident, noting that Lai views the island as already independent, with citizens favouring the status quo.  

In his interview with Fox News, Trump reiterated that US policy on the matter had not changed. “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.”

Trump also turned pressure on Taiwan’s vital technology sector, demanding that its microchip manufacturers move operations to the US. 

Taiwan produces over 90% of the world’s advanced processors. Despite commitments in Arizona by chipmaker TSMC, Trump repeated accusations that Taiwan stole its tech sector decades ago, leaving the island holding its breath for substantial policy outcomes.

Putin’s 2-day China visit from May 19 

Russian President Vla­dimir Putin will meet Chinese leader Xi Jinping on a two-day trip to Beijing next week, the Kremlin said on Saturday.

The Kremlin said Putin’s trip, planned for May 19-20, had been scheduled to coincide with the 25th anniversary of the 2001 Sino-Russian Treaty of Friendship. It said the two leaders would discuss bilateral relations nd “key international and regional issues” and economic cooperation.