Taiwan on Saturday said it is an “independent” nation, hours after US President Donald Trump warned the democratic island against declaring formal independence following his high-profile meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Speaking after talks in Beijing, Trump said Xi does not want a war over Taiwan and suggested that Taiwanese independence could trigger a serious confrontation. Trump also stressed that the US does not need another conflict “9,500 miles away.” This signalled a possible shift in US policy towards Taiwan after Xi reportedly warned Trump that mishandling the Taiwan issue could lead to “clashes and even conflicts” between China and the United States. Despite recognising the “one China policy”, the US remains Taiwan’s largest and most important international backer. Taiwan’s foreign ministry said in a statement that it “is a sovereign and independent democratic nation, and is not subordinate to the People’s Republic of China.” The ministry also insisted that US arms sales were part of Washington’s security commitment to Taiwan, after Trump said it “depends on China” and was a “very good negotiating chip for us”. What Did Trump Say? While speaking to Fox News after his trip to China, Trump issued a warning to the island against making a declaration of independence. “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 said. “President Xi and I talked a lot about Taiwan,” Trump said, adding that the Chinese leader “does not want to see a fight for independence because that would be a very strong confrontation”. Trump also suggested that China may avoid military action against Taiwan while he remains in office. “I don’t think they’ll do anything when I’m here. When I’m not here. I think they might, to be honest with you,” he said. China views Taiwan as part of its territory under the “One China Principle” and has long maintained that the island must eventually be reunified with the mainland — peacefully if possible, but by force if necessary. However, Trump affirmed that “nothing’s changed” on US policy towards Taiwan after his meeting with Xi. The US has not supported a formal independence by Taiwan, but acts as the island’s primary military supplier and defence supporter to boost Taiwan against rising pressure from China. Taiwan’s Presidential Office on Saturday said there were “multiple reaffirmations from the US side, including President Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, that the consistent US policy and position toward Taiwan remain unchanged”.