U.S. President Donald Trump has cautioned Taiwan against formally declaring independence, following a warning by Chinese leader Xi Jinping during a summit in Beijing that missteps over the democratic island could push the U.S. and China into conflict.?
Asked if U.S. policy toward Taiwan had shifted, Trump said ¡°nothing¡¯s changed.¡± However, he made clear that he is opposed to Taiwan declaring indendence, while appearing to question any need for the United States to defend the island?in the event of an attack.
¡°I¡¯m not looking to have somebody go independent. And, you know, we¡¯re supposed to travel 9,500 miles (15,290 kilometers) to fight a war. I¡¯m not looking for that,¡± he said in an interview with Fox News that aired Friday in the U.S.
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