Taiwan’s political tensions escalated after opposition parties launched impeachment proceedings against President Lai Ching-te over disputes surrounding a massive defence budget proposal. Opposition lawmakers from the KMT and TPP accused Lai of acting like a “dictator” and rejected the government’s proposed $40 billion defence spending plan. Although 56 lawmakers voted in favour of the motion and 50 opposed it, the impeachment effort failed to secure the minimum number of votes required to pass.


Taiwan President Lai Survives Impeachment Push Amid Fierce Defence Budget Row

US President Donald Trump has made a major statement on Taiwan following his summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping, saying that China firmly rejects Taiwan’s independence. The remarks have renewed global attention on one of the most sensitive flashpoints in US-China relations amid rising tensions in the Taiwan Strait. Watch this WION Originals report for a detailed breakdown of Trump’s comments, Beijing’s position, and the wider geopolitical implications.


Trump-Xi Summit: Trump's Cautious Approach on Taiwan a Sign of Things to Come?

US President Donald Trump has made a major statement on Taiwan following his summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping, saying that China firmly rejects Taiwan’s independence. The remarks have renewed global attention on one of the most sensitive flashpoints in US-China relations amid rising tensions in the Taiwan Strait.

Trump-Xi Summit: Questioned on Taiwan, Donald Trump Says China is Beautiful

Taiwan declared on Saturday that it is a 'sovereign and independent democratic nation' and ‘not subordinate to the People’s Republic of China’, hours after US President Donald Trump warned the island against formally declaring independence following his summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing. The unusually direct exchange underscored the continuing volatility surrounding Taiwan, a self-ruled democracy that China claims as part of its territory and has vowed to annex, by force if necessary.&nbsp;Trump, speaking to Fox News after concluding his state visit to China, said he did not want Taipei to provoke a conflict. “I’m not looking to have somebody go independent,” he told ‘Special Report with Bret Baier’. “We’re supposed to travel 9,500 miles to fight a war. I’m not looking for that.” “I want them to cool down. I want China to cool down,” Trump added. “We’re not looking to have wars, and if you kept it the way it is, I think China’s going to be OK with that.” Taiwan’s foreign ministry responded within hours, reiterating that the island already functions as an independent state. “Taiwan is a sovereign and independent democratic nation, and is not subordinate to the People’s Republic of China,” the ministry said in a statement.&nbsp;ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/trump-says-chinese-president-signalled-jimmy-lai-s-release-unlikely-who-is-the-jailed-hong-kong-media-mogul-1778851727550">Trump says Chinese President signalled Jimmy Lai’s release unlikely — Who is the jailed Hong Kong media mogul?</a>&nbsp;<h2>Beijing pressure and Washington’s balancing act</h2><h2>&nbsp;</h2>Taiwan sits at the centre of one of Asia’s most sensitive geopolitical flashpoints. While the United States formally recognises Beijing rather than Taipei, Washington remains Taiwan’s principal security partner under the Taiwan Relations Act, which requires the US to provide the island with defensive weapons.&nbsp;China has sharply increased military pressure on Taiwan in recent years through large-scale air and naval exercises around the island. During his talks with Trump, Xi warned that missteps over Taiwan could trigger ‘conflict’. Taiwan President Lai Ching-te maintains that the island is already independent in practice, making any formal declaration unnecessary. Beijing, however, views Lai as a separatist figure.&nbsp;According to AFP, Taiwan’s Presidential Office said on Saturday that Washington’s long-standing position had not changed, citing “multiple reaffirmations from the US side, including President Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio”.&nbsp;ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-modi-renews-condemnation-of-attacks-on-uae-after-high-level-discussions-with-uae-president-1778844650095">PM Modi renews condemnation of attacks on UAE after high-level discussions with President</a>&nbsp;<h2>Arms sales under scrutiny amid rising tensions</h2><h2>&nbsp;</h2>Ahead of the Beijing summit, Trump said he intended to discuss US arms sales to Taiwan with Xi, marking a notable shift from Washington’s previous insistence that such decisions would not be negotiated with China. Taiwan’s parliament recently approved a $25 billion defence spending package, much of it linked to American weapons purchases. Lawmakers say nearly $9 billion will fund part of an $11.1 billion arms package announced by Washington in December, with a second proposed package worth more than $15 billion still awaiting US approval.&nbsp;Asked about future sales while travelling back to Washington on Friday, Trump said: “I’ll make a determination over the next fairly short period of time.” Taipei defended the purchases as essential to regional stability. Taiwan’s foreign ministry said US arms sales were “not only a US security commitment to Taiwan clearly stipulated in the Taiwan Relations Act, but also a form of joint deterrence against regional threats”.

The unusually direct exchange underscored the continuing volatility surrounding Taiwan, a self-ruled democracy that China claims as part of its territory and has vowed to annex, by force if necessary.

Taiwan declared on Saturday that it is a 'sovereign and independent democratic nation' and ‘not subordinate to the People’s Republic of China’, hours after US President Donald Trump warned the island against formally declaring independence following his summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing. The unusually direct exchange underscored the continuing volatility surrounding Taiwan, a self-ruled democracy that China claims as part of its territory and has vowed to annex, by force if necessary. Trump, speaking to Fox News after concluding his state visit to China, said he did not want Taipei to provoke a conflict. “I’m not looking to have somebody go independent,” he told ‘Special Report with Bret Baier’. “We’re supposed to travel 9,500 miles to fight a war. I’m not looking for that.” “I want them to cool down. I want China to cool down,” Trump added. “We’re not looking to have wars, and if you kept it the way it is, I think China’s going to be OK with that.” Taiwan’s foreign ministry responded within hours, reiterating that the island already functions as an independent state. “Taiwan is a sovereign and independent democratic nation, and is not subordinate to the People’s Republic of China,” the ministry said in a statement. ALSO READ: Trump says Chinese President signalled Jimmy Lai’s release unlikely — Who is the jailed Hong Kong media mogul? Beijing pressure and Washington’s balancing act Taiwan sits at the centre of one of Asia’s most sensitive geopolitical flashpoints. While the United States formally recognises Beijing rather than Taipei, Washington remains Taiwan’s principal security partner under the Taiwan Relations Act, which requires the US to provide the island with defensive weapons. China has sharply increased military pressure on Taiwan in recent years through large-scale air and naval exercises around the island. During his talks with Trump, Xi warned that missteps over Taiwan could trigger ‘conflict’. Taiwan President Lai Ching-te maintains that the island is already independent in practice, making any formal declaration unnecessary. Beijing, however, views Lai as a separatist figure. According to AFP, Taiwan’s Presidential Office said on Saturday that Washington’s long-standing position had not changed, citing “multiple reaffirmations from the US side, including President Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio”. ALSO READ: PM Modi renews condemnation of attacks on UAE after high-level discussions with President Arms sales under scrutiny amid rising tensions Ahead of the Beijing summit, Trump said he intended to discuss US arms sales to Taiwan with Xi, marking a notable shift from Washington’s previous insistence that such decisions would not be negotiated with China. Taiwan’s parliament recently approved a $25 billion defence spending package, much of it linked to American weapons purchases. Lawmakers say nearly $9 billion will fund part of an $11.1 billion arms package announced by Washington in December, with a second proposed package worth more than $15 billion still awaiting US approval. Asked about future sales while travelling back to Washington on Friday, Trump said: “I’ll make a determination over the next fairly short period of time.” Taipei defended the purchases as essential to regional stability. Taiwan’s foreign ministry said US arms sales were “not only a US security commitment to Taiwan clearly stipulated in the Taiwan Relations Act, but also a form of joint deterrence against regional threats”.

The unusually direct exchange underscored the continuing volatility surrounding Taiwan, a self-ruled democracy that China claims as part of its territory and has vowed to annex, by force if necessary.

'Sovereign and independent democratic nation': Taiwan rejects subordination to China after Trump warning

Taiwan has stated that US security commitments to the island are explicitly defined in law, reinforcing Washington’s long-standing policy position amid rising tensions with China. The statement comes as debates over Taiwan’s defense, US-China relations, and regional security intensify in the Asia-Pacific.

Taiwan Says US Security Commitments Are Explicitly Set in Law

As U.S. President Donald Trump concluded his visit to China, he claimed a breakthrough on issues like Strait of Hormuz and nuclear weapons. However, China refused to acknowledge any of Trump's specific claims. As compared to this, Trump's 2017 visit yielded tangible outcomes like business deals worth $250 billion. Amid this, will hostilities in Iran resume once again? 

Trump's Flop Show in China, No Breakthrough, Xi Warns on Taiwan 

Donald Trump says he discussed possible arms sales to Taiwan during talks with Xi Jinping, adding that a decision could come soon. Taiwan remains one of the most sensitive issues in U.S.-China relations, with Beijing strongly opposing American military support for the island.


Trump Says He Discussed Taiwan Arms Sales With Xi Jinping, Decision Soon

The White House has described the Trump–Xi meeting as “good,” but notably made no mention of Taiwan in its official readout.

The omission has drawn attention, as Taiwan remains one of the most sensitive and contested issues in US–China relations. While both sides reportedly discussed broader areas of cooperation and competition, the lack of reference to Taiwan stands out in an otherwise tightly managed diplomatic statement.

The meeting reflects ongoing efforts to stabilize relations between Washington and Beijing, even as major strategic disagreements remain unresolved.

Xi Warns Trump That U.S, China Could Clash If Taiwan Issue Manhandled

Taiwan remains the most sensitive and dangerous issue in relations between the United States and China. Beijing continues to push for what it calls “reunification” with the island, while many people in Taiwan increasingly identify separately from mainland China. At the same time, Washington officially follows the “One China” policy but maintains close unofficial ties with Taiwan, making the island a major geopolitical flashpoint with global consequences.


Xi-Trump Summit: Why Taiwan Remains the Biggest Flashpoint Between the US and China

U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are set for high-stakes talks in Beijing, with critical issues on the table including tariffs, technology competition, Taiwan tensions, and the ongoing Iran conflict. The summit comes amid rising geopolitical pressure and is expected to shape global trade, security, and power dynamics between the two superpowers.


Trump-Xi Meet: Tariffs, Competition Over Tech, Iran War & Taiwan: What's On Agenda 

President Trump and President Xi are meeting in Beijing, with U.S. officials balancing crucial economic engagement against significant national security concerns, including AI risks and tech transfer. The summit aims to stabilize trade, with US CEOs seeking greater market access, while navigating tensions over Taiwan, Iran, and technology restrictions.


Trump-Xi Summit: Leaders Expected To Discuss AI And Chip Exports at Summit

Trump-Xi Summit: US President Jets To China With A Gaggle of CEOs

Trump-Xi Meeting: China Prez Xi Likely to Push Back on Taiwan-US Policy

As U.S. President Donald Trump prepares to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping, Washington has reportedly raised the issue of Taiwan arms sales ahead of the high-stakes summit. The move adds fresh tension to already complex U.S.-China relations, where trade, security, and regional influence remain key points of contention.


Trump-Xi Meet: US Puts Taiwan Arms Sale on Agenda Ahead of Xi Summit 

U.S. President Donald Trump is scheduled to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping during his visit to Beijing this week, as both countries seek to stabilize a relationship strained by tensions over trade, Taiwan and the Iran war. White House correspondent Trevor Hunnicutt explains. 


Why Trump's Return to Beijing After Nearly a Decade Matters Globally

Further delays to Taiwan military ​spending are a "concession" to China, the U.S. State Department said, as Taipei's defence ministry detailed ‌the impact of projects excluded from a package passed by the opposition-controlled parliament.
Taiwan President Lai Ching-te had sought $40 billion in supplementary defence spending to better deter China, which views the democratically governed island as its own territory and has stepped up ​its military pressure.

US Concerned by Taiwan's Defence Spending Delay

Santiago Pena received a grand welcome in Taiwan with a 21-gun salute and full military honours as Paraguay reaffirmed its close diplomatic ties with Taipei. Paraguay remains Taiwan’s only official ally in South America, making the visit highly significant amid growing pressure from China on countries recognising Taiwan. Taiwanese leader Lai Ching-te said both nations remain committed to democracy and shared values.


Paraguay President Visits Taiwan, Reaffirms Strategic Alliance With Full State Honours 

President Pnea was accorded a ceremonial welcome with a 21-gun salute and full military honors during an official state event. The grand reception highlighted diplomatic ties and formal protocol, with senior officials and military personnel participating in the ceremony. Such honors are typically reserved for visiting heads of state and mark the importance of bilateral relations and strategic cooperation.

President Pnea Welcomed with 21-Gun Salute, Full Military Honors

Taiwan President has arrived in Eswatini for an official visit despite strong objections from China. The trip highlights Taiwan’s continued diplomatic engagement with its limited formal allies amid rising geopolitical tensions with Beijing. China has consistently opposed such visits, viewing them as challenges to its “One China” policy.


Taiwan President Arrives in Eswatini Despite Chinese Objections

China and the U.S. should prepare for "important ​high-level exchanges", Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said in a ‌call with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday, while warning the Taiwan issue is "the biggest point of risk" for relations.
"The Taiwan issue ​concerns China's core interests," Wang told Rubio, adding that ​the U.S. should "keep its promises and make the right ⁠choices in order to open up new space for China-U.S. cooperation ​and make due efforts for world peace", an official summary of the ​call released by Wang's ministry showed.


Wang Yi Raises Taiwan Issue in Call With Marco Rubio

Taiwan has received the final batch of Abrams tanks, marking a key upgrade in its defence capabilities. The delivery completes a major arms deal aimed at strengthening the island’s armoured forces amid rising regional tensions. Officials say the tanks will enhance battlefield mobility, firepower, and overall deterrence.


Taiwan Receives Final Batch Of US Abrams Tanks Under $1.29 Billion Deal

Taiwan has stepped up monitoring operations after detecting two Chinese warships operating near the Penghu islands in the Taiwan Strait, according to the island’s defence ministry. The vessels, which have been identified as a destroyer and a frigate, entered waters to the southwest of the archipelago, a strategically sensitive zone that hosts major Taiwanese naval and air force bases. Taipei responded by deploying its own naval and air assets to track the formation, stating that it had “closely monitored the situation and responded appropriately”, Reuters reported.&nbsp;According to Reuters, the ministry did not disclose their precise location of the ships. Such disclosures are relatively rare, with Taiwan typically providing detailed information on Chinese aircraft movements rather than naval deployments, except in cases involving high-profile assets such as aircraft carriers.&nbsp;ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/japan-goes-global-on-arms-is-tokyo-planning-to-become-a-weapons-export-giant-while-us-war-machine-runs-thin-1776766253208">Japan goes global on arms: Is Tokyo planning to become a weapons export giant while US war machine runs thin?</a>&nbsp;<h2>‘Grey-zone’ pressure and rising cross-strait strain</h2><h2>&nbsp;</h2>China, which claims Taiwan as its own territory despite the island’s democratically elected government, regularly sends its warships and warplanes in surrounding waters and airspace. These activities have been repeatedly condemned by Taipei as coercive. Beijing, however, maintains that such operations are ‘entirely justified and reasonable’, attributing rising tensions to Taiwan’s leadership.&nbsp;On Monday, the defence ministry said, as reported by Reuters, that a Chinese destroyer and a frigate had entered waters to the southwest of the Penghu islands, an area that hosts major Taiwanese naval and air force bases and lies close to Taiwan’s side of the strait. Speaking to Coast Guard officers in Taipei, President Lai Ching-te warned that China’s “grey-zone” tactics, measures designed to exert sustained pressure without triggering open conflict — were intensifying. “They seek to manufacture a new normal that undermines the status quo,” he said, highlighting what his administration views as a steady escalation in psychological and operational pressure.&nbsp;ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/what-are-ch-53-helicopters-why-does-us-navy-rely-on-them-to-transport-supplies-to-aircraft-carriers-in-middle-east-1777128354557">What are CH-53 helicopters? Why does US Navy rely on them to transport supplies to aircraft carriers in Middle East?</a>&nbsp;<h2>Broader military activity underscores strategic stakes</h2><h2>&nbsp;</h2>Reuters reported that, in its latest daily update, Taiwan’s defence ministry said a total of nine Chinese warships and 22 military aircraft had been detected around the island over the previous 24 hours. While maps indicated aircraft activity concentrated in the Taiwan Strait and to the north and southwest of the island, no specific details were provided on the positioning of the naval vessels.&nbsp;The Penghu islands occupy a critical position in the Taiwan Strait, sitting closer to Taiwan’s western coastline and serving as a forward defence hub. Taiwan’s Coast Guard, operating alongside the navy, plays a key role in monitoring such movements. President Lai indicated that capabilities would be strengthened through expanded drone deployment, advanced radar systems and infrared surveillance technology. Taiwan’s government continues to reject Beijing’s sovereignty claims, maintaining that the island’s future can only be determined by its people.

China, which claims Taiwan as its own territory despite the island’s democratically elected government, regularly sends its warships and warplanes in surrounding waters and airspace. 

Taiwan has stepped up monitoring operations after detecting two Chinese warships operating near the Penghu islands in the Taiwan Strait, according to the island’s defence ministry. The vessels, which have been identified as a destroyer and a frigate, entered waters to the southwest of the archipelago, a strategically sensitive zone that hosts major Taiwanese naval and air force bases. Taipei responded by deploying its own naval and air assets to track the formation, stating that it had “closely monitored the situation and responded appropriately”, Reuters reported. According to Reuters, the ministry did not disclose their precise location of the ships. Such disclosures are relatively rare, with Taiwan typically providing detailed information on Chinese aircraft movements rather than naval deployments, except in cases involving high-profile assets such as aircraft carriers. ALSO READ: Japan goes global on arms: Is Tokyo planning to become a weapons export giant while US war machine runs thin? ‘Grey-zone’ pressure and rising cross-strait strain China, which claims Taiwan as its own territory despite the island’s democratically elected government, regularly sends its warships and warplanes in surrounding waters and airspace. These activities have been repeatedly condemned by Taipei as coercive. Beijing, however, maintains that such operations are ‘entirely justified and reasonable’, attributing rising tensions to Taiwan’s leadership. On Monday, the defence ministry said, as reported by Reuters, that a Chinese destroyer and a frigate had entered waters to the southwest of the Penghu islands, an area that hosts major Taiwanese naval and air force bases and lies close to Taiwan’s side of the strait. Speaking to Coast Guard officers in Taipei, President Lai Ching-te warned that China’s “grey-zone” tactics, measures designed to exert sustained pressure without triggering open conflict — were intensifying. “They seek to manufacture a new normal that undermines the status quo,” he said, highlighting what his administration views as a steady escalation in psychological and operational pressure. ALSO READ: What are CH-53 helicopters? Why does US Navy rely on them to transport supplies to aircraft carriers in Middle East? Broader military activity underscores strategic stakes Reuters reported that, in its latest daily update, Taiwan’s defence ministry said a total of nine Chinese warships and 22 military aircraft had been detected around the island over the previous 24 hours. While maps indicated aircraft activity concentrated in the Taiwan Strait and to the north and southwest of the island, no specific details were provided on the positioning of the naval vessels. The Penghu islands occupy a critical position in the Taiwan Strait, sitting closer to Taiwan’s western coastline and serving as a forward defence hub. Taiwan’s Coast Guard, operating alongside the navy, plays a key role in monitoring such movements. President Lai indicated that capabilities would be strengthened through expanded drone deployment, advanced radar systems and infrared surveillance technology. Taiwan’s government continues to reject Beijing’s sovereignty claims, maintaining that the island’s future can only be determined by its people.

China, which claims Taiwan as its own territory despite the island’s democratically elected government, regularly sends its warships and warplanes in surrounding waters and airspace.

Taiwan on alert! 2 Chinese warships spotted near key Penghu Islands in Taiwan Strait

Taiwan’s stock market is hitting a historic milestone, surpassing the UK in total market value, driven by record foreign inflows. The market has tripled since 2020, sharply outperforming major global peers. Take a look at this report.

Taiwan's Stock Market Makes History

Taiwan has signalled a stronger stance in the South China Sea with a rare ministerial visit to a contested island during military drills. The move underscores Taipei’s intent to assert its presence amid rising regional tensions. Such visits are uncommon and carry strategic weight, highlighting the sensitive nature of territorial disputes and the broader geopolitical dynamics shaping the region.

Taiwan Minister Makes Rare Visit to South China Sea Island for Drills

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Taiwan President Lai Survives Impeachment Push Amid Fierce Defence Budget Row

Trump-Xi Summit: Trump's Cautious Approach on Taiwan a Sign of Things to Come?

Trump-Xi Summit: Questioned on Taiwan, Donald Trump Says China is Beautiful

'Independent nation': Taiwan rejects subordination to China post Trump warning

Taiwan Says US Security Commitments Are Explicitly Set in Law

Trump's Flop Show in China, No Breakthrough, Xi Warns on Taiwan

Trump Says He Discussed Taiwan Arms Sales With Xi Jinping, Decision Soon

Xi Warns Trump That U.S, China Could Clash If Taiwan Issue Manhandled

Xi-Trump Summit: Why Taiwan Remains the Biggest Flashpoint Between the US and China

Trump-Xi Meet: Tariffs, Competition Over Tech, Iran War & Taiwan: What's On Agenda

Trump-Xi Summit: Leaders Expected To Discuss AI And Chip Exports at Summit

Trump-Xi Summit: US President Jets To China With A Gaggle of CEOs

Trump-Xi Meeting: China Prez Xi Likely to Push Back on Taiwan-US Policy

Trump-Xi Meet: US Puts Taiwan Arms Sale on Agenda Ahead of Xi Summit

Why Trump's Return to Beijing After Nearly a Decade Matters Globally

US Concerned by Taiwan's Defence Spending Delay

Paraguay President Visits Taiwan, Reaffirms Strategic Alliance With Full State Honours

President Pnea Welcomed with 21-Gun Salute, Full Military Honors

Taiwan President Arrives in Eswatini Despite Chinese Objections

Wang Yi Raises Taiwan Issue in Call With Marco Rubio

Taiwan Receives Final Batch Of US Abrams Tanks Under $1.29 Billion Deal

Taiwan on alert! 2 Chinese warships spotted near Penghu Islands in Taiwan Strait

Taiwan's Stock Market Makes History

Taiwan Minister Makes Rare Visit to South China Sea Island for Drills