TAIPEI (TVBS News) — U.S. President Trump confirmed Thursday (Oct. 30) that Taiwan was not discussed during his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping (習近平) in Busan, South Korea. The talks between the world's two most powerful leaders sparked concerns in Taiwan about its relationship with the U.S., its main security partner. The meeting occurred before the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Gyeongju, South Korea.
CNN reported before the meeting that senior U.S. officials believed Trump was unlikely to oppose Taiwan independence during talks. Trump had previously refused to rule out using Taiwan as a bargaining chip in U.S.-China trade negotiations. Instead, Trump announced the leaders resolved China's rare earth mineral restrictions dispute in exchange for lower U.S. tariffs on China.
Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) expressed confidence in Taiwan-U.S. relations earlier Thursday and dismissed rumors about recalling Taiwan's current representative to the U.S. Lin confirmed ongoing efforts to arrange a meeting between Taiwan's APEC delegation and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (高市早苗). The minister assured the meeting is being actively organized.
President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) emphasized Taiwan's commitment to peace in the Taiwan Strait during a military promotion ceremony Wednesday (Oct. 29). He highlighted Taiwan's determination to protect its homeland and firmly opposed annexation, aggression, and advancing unification. KMT legislator Lai Shyh-bao (賴士葆) suggested President Lai's remarks could be interpreted as supporting Taiwan independence and noted that maintaining ambiguity in cross-strait relations benefits Taiwan.