Taiwan’s leader said Taiwan–US ties remain “rock solid” after a call between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping put the island back at the centre of tensions between Washington and Beijing. The remarks came Thursday as Beijing renewed warnings over U.S. arms sales and territorial claims.
The exchange highlights how Taiwan–US ties have again become a major flashpoint in U.S.–China relations, with the issue expected to feature prominently in future diplomacy and security discussions.
President Lai Ching-te told reporters in Taipei that cooperation with Washington would continue despite the pressure. He said Taiwan–US ties were “rock solid” and that “various cooperation projects will continue without change,” reaffirming confidence in longstanding support from the United States.
His comments followed a wide-ranging phone call Wednesday between Trump and Xi, during which the Chinese leader emphasised Beijing’s claim over Taiwan and urged caution over U.S. military support. According to a Chinese readout, Xi warned the United States must handle arms sales to Taiwan with “prudence,” while reiterating that the island is a core issue in bilateral relations.
Read Also: Taiwan Simulates Chinese Invasion In Major Defense Drill
Trump described the conversation as “excellent” and “long and thorough,” saying the two leaders discussed trade, Taiwan, global conflicts, and energy purchases among other topics, in comments posted on social media.
Taiwan–US ties have long rested on a delicate diplomatic balance. Washington has no formal relations with Taipei but remains its most important international partner and main supplier of defensive weapons under U.S. law.
In December, the United States approved a major arms package for Taiwan valued at more than $11 billion, including advanced missiles and artillery systems, a move that drew strong objections from Beijing.
Read Also: No Matter How Powerful, China Won’t Threaten Others – Xi
China has repeatedly said it intends to bring Taiwan under its control and has not ruled out the use of force. Xi reiterated during the call that Taiwan is China’s territory and that Beijing will defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity, according to state-linked reports.
Meanwhile, analysts say Taiwan’s place in U.S.–China relations could rise again after months dominated by trade disputes and economic issues. The leaders’ latest conversation suggests the topic may feature prominently in upcoming diplomatic engagements, including potential high-level visits later this year.