Taiwan vows to defend sovereignty amid uncertainty over US support

Wednesday 20 May 2026 - 07:39

By: Dakir Madiha

Taiwan vows to defend sovereignty amid uncertainty over US support

Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te said Wednesday that the future of Taiwan “cannot be decided by external forces,” reaffirming his government’s commitment to defending the island’s sovereignty and democratic system during remarks marking the second anniversary of his inauguration. The speech came at a moment of rising concern in Taipei over the reliability of United States support following recent comments by Donald Trump after a summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing.

Lai said Taiwan seeks peace and regional stability but will not compromise its democratic system or sovereignty under external pressure. He also stated that Taiwan would continue resisting attempts to weaken its political autonomy. Earlier in a Facebook post, Lai declared that Taiwan would neither be sacrificed nor handed over, adding that the island would not abandon its national dignity or democratic freedoms.

The remarks followed Trump’s two day visit to Beijing, where he warned Taiwan against making any formal declaration of independence and cast doubt on Washington’s willingness to intervene militarily in a future conflict. In an interview with Fox News, Trump questioned why the United States would travel “15,000 kilometers to fight in a war” and said he did not want to see any side declare independence. Asked directly aboard Air Force One whether he had committed to defending Taiwan militarily, Trump said he had made “no commitment either way.”

Trump also suggested that a proposed $14 billion arms package for Taiwan could be used as leverage in broader negotiations with Beijing. He said he had not yet approved the sale and indicated the decision remained open. The comments intensified anxiety in Taiwan, where officials have long depended on American military backing as a deterrent against Chinese pressure in the Taiwan Strait.

During the Beijing summit, Xi described Taiwan as the most important issue in relations between China and the United States. According to Chinese state media, Xi warned that mishandling the Taiwan question could lead to confrontation or conflict and place the entire bilateral relationship at risk. Beijing considers Taiwan part of its territory and has repeatedly opposed any international recognition of the island’s sovereignty.

Taiwanese Defense Minister Wellington Koo said he remains cautiously optimistic about future US arms sales, noting that American officials continue to publicly support existing Taiwan policy. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Trade Representative Jameson Greer both stated that Washington’s position toward Taiwan has not changed.

Taiwanese Prime Minister Cho Jung-tai said ongoing Chinese military activity remains the primary source of instability in the Indo Pacific region. Presidential spokesperson Karen Kuo added that Taiwan’s sovereignty is self evident while reaffirming Taipei’s commitment to maintaining the status quo across the Taiwan Strait.