Taiwan’s Premier Declares “Reunification” Not an Option Amid US-China Talks

Taiwan’s Premier Cho Jung-tai firmly stated that “reunification” with China is “not an option” after a recent phone conversation between Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump. Reports indicate that the topic of Taiwan emerged during their discussion, despite Trump’s subsequent silence on the matter in his social media updates.

During a press conference at the legislature in Taipei, Cho emphasized that Taiwan is a fully sovereign and independent nation, asserting, “The 23 million people of Taiwan do not have a ‘reunification’ option. This is very clear. Taiwan is the world’s Taiwan.” His comments reflect growing concerns over Taiwan’s status in international relations, particularly in light of increasing Chinese assertiveness.

Trump and Xi’s phone call took place on March 15, 2024, covering a range of issues including Ukraine and agricultural agreements. Trump’s lack of reference to Taiwan has raised questions about its role in US-China negotiations. In contrast, state media Xinhua reported that Xi reiterated the significance of Taiwan’s reunification with China as a critical element of the post-World War II international order.

Cho indicated that Taiwan plays a crucial role in regional security and economic development. He stressed the importance of maintaining the current “status quo,” suggesting that the international community is collectively focused on preventing any shifts that could destabilize the region. “China cannot undermine this ‘status quo’ in any way,” he added, reinforcing Taiwan’s commitment to bolster its defense capabilities alongside like-minded democratic nations.

In a separate statement, Francois Wu, Taiwan’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, interpreted Trump’s silence as a positive sign, indicating that Taiwan is not being treated as a bargaining chip in broader US-China discussions. Wu commented, “It is the best result, that we are not mentioned, meaning we are not part of the deal.” He highlighted that while Taiwan is recognized as a core interest for China, it is equally significant to the United States, Japan, and Europe.

The Taiwanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement accusing China of intentionally misinterpreting historical documents from World War II to exert pressure on Taiwan. The ministry reiterated that Taiwan is a sovereign state, distinct from the People’s Republic of China. Spokesman Hsiao Kuang-wei confirmed that communication channels between the US and Taiwan remain robust, although specific details were not disclosed.

The American Institute in Taiwan reinforced the US position on Taiwan, rejecting Beijing’s narrative as fundamentally flawed. Taiwan’s Presidential Office spokeswoman, Karen Kuo, stated that no World War II documents or UN resolutions define Taiwan’s political status. She affirmed Taiwan’s commitment to collaborating with international partners to uphold the cross-strait status quo and ensure regional peace, stability, and prosperity.

As tensions continue to rise in the Taiwan Strait, the international community watches closely, aware that the dynamics of US-China relations have broader implications for the region’s stability.