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Taiwan will not provoke conflict nor give up sovereignty, says president

Taiwan will not provoke conflict nor give up sovereignty, says president

Lai Ching-te made his first direct response to Trump and Xi's meeting where they discussed Taiwan independence.

May 18, 2026 at 03:08 AM Original source
6 agencies covered this story

Coverage by Political Leaning

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Notable Quotes

"there is no 'Taiwan independence' issue"

— Lai Ching-te , Politician

"I'm not looking to have somebody go independent."

— Donald Trump , Politician

"Taiwan will not provoke, will not escalate conflict, but will not under pressure give up national sovereignty and dignity, as well as the democratic and free way of life."

— Lai Ching-te , Politician

"Taiwan has always been a firm defender of the status quo on both sides of the Strait, not a party to change it."

— Lai Ching-te , Politician

"Given that China has never given up the use of force to annex Taiwan and continues to expand its military power to try to change the regional and cross-strait status quo, America's continued sale arms to Taiwan and deeper US-Taiwan security cooperation is necessary."

— Lai Ching-te , Politician

"Taiwan will not be sacrificed or traded."

— Lai Ching-te , Politician

"But we will also not give up our national sovereignty and dignity, or our democratic and free way of life, under pressure."

— Lai Ching-te , Politician

"The US was 'not looking to have somebody say, 'Let's go independent because the United States is backing us.'"

— Donald Trump , Politician

"I’m not looking to have somebody go independent."

— Donald Trump , Politician

"If mishandled, the two nations could collide or even come into conflict, pushing the entire China-US relationship into a highly perilous situation."

— Xi Jinping , Politician

"Yes, if, in fact, there was an unprecedented attack."

— Joe Biden , Politician

"Taiwan arms sale decision pending"

— Trump , Politician

"Taiwan will not be 'sacrificed or traded away' after Trump remarks."

— Lai Ching-te , Politician

"Taiwan not part of PRC, Lai says, after Trump warning on 'independence'."

— Lai Ching-te , Politician

"Taiwan will not be 'sacrificed or traded away' after Trump remarks."

— Lai Ching-te , Politician

All Coverage

Taiwan will not provoke conflict nor give up sovereignty, says president
BBC Newsvia rss 5 quotes 2 persons

Lai Ching-te made his first direct response to Trump and Xi's meeting where they discussed Taiwan independence.

100%
Taiwanese president says country will not be sacrificed after Trump-Xi meeting
ABC Newsvia ai 3 quotes 2 persons

Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te asserts that Taiwan will not be sacrificed or traded away, emphasizing the nation's sovereignty and democratic values in response to recent discussions between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

80%
Lai says Taiwan not subordinate to China after Trump comments
Focus Taiwanvia ai 1 quote 1 person

President Lai Ching-te emphasizes that Taiwan is not subordinate to China, defending the nation's sovereignty and democratic way of life in light of recent remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump regarding Taiwan's independence.

80%
Taiwan not part of PRC, Lai says, after Trump warning on 'independence'
Focus Taiwanvia ai 2 quotes 1 person

President Lai Ching-te reiterates that Taiwan is not part of the People's Republic of China, following U.S. President Donald Trump's warning against Taiwan moving toward independence after his summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

80%
Lai says Taiwan will not be 'sacrificed or traded away' after Trump remarks
Focus Taiwanvia ai 1 quote 1 person

President Lai Ching-te asserts that Taiwan will never be sacrificed or traded away, emphasizing the nation's commitment to peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait amid concerns over U.S. arms sales to Taiwan.

80%
In response to Trump, Taiwan says it is ‘sovereign and independent’
Al Jazeeravia ai 3 quotes 3 persons

Taiwan reaffirms its sovereignty and independence following U.S. President Donald Trump's visit to China, stating its commitment to maintaining the cross-strait status quo without formally declaring independence.

80%