(US, 16th) In a Fox News exclusive interview aired on the 15th, US President Trump stated that he "doesn't want to see anyone move toward independence," nor does he want to see anyone advocating for Taiwan independence "because they have US support." Fox News said Trump issued a warning to both Taiwan and China, reminding Taipei not to expect that if war breaks out due to its own actions, the US will provide unconditional military support.
The anchor asked Trump whether, after meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, the people of Taiwan should feel safer or less safe. Trump replied, "Neutral, neutral. This situation has lasted for many years."
On the 15th, after leaving Beijing, Trump was interviewed by the media aboard Air Force One.
He emphasized that US policy toward Taiwan has not changed. Trump said: "Nothing has changed. But let me say this: I don't want to see anyone move toward independence. And you know, in theory, we would have to fly 9,500 miles to fight a war. I don't want to see that happen. I hope they calm down, and I also hope China calms down."
Fox News reported that on the Taiwan Strait issue, Xi Jinping emphasized to Trump that Taiwan is the most important issue, "If not handled properly, the two countries will collide or even have conflict." Maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait is the greatest common denominator for both the US and China. Trump also refused to commit to whether he would approve the long-delayed $14 billion US arms sale to Taiwan. Although US lawmakers gave preliminary approval this January, it has stalled at the State Department, and the White House has yet to officially proceed.
When asked further about the arms sale, Trump said: "I might do it, or I might not. We don't want to see war. If the status quo is maintained, I think China will accept it. But we don't want anyone to say: 'Let's move toward independence, because the US will support us.'"
After the Trump-Xi meeting, Trump gave the above interview, and later on Air Force One, he added to reporters that Xi Jinping's position on the Taiwan issue is "very tough, and I have made no commitments." Trump said that he and Xi "talked a lot" about the Taiwan issue, and Xi "does not wish to see Taiwan push for independence, as that would trigger a very intense conflict."