Taipei has dismissed a fresh warning from Donald Trump against declaring independence, sources confirm, even as a British trade delegation continues talks in the capital. The former US president’s comment, made during a campaign rally in Nevada, warned that any move towards formal independence would be met with consequences. Taiwan’s foreign ministry responded curtly, stating that the island’s status is not up for negotiation.
The statement, obtained by this desk, reads: “Taiwan is and will remain a sovereign nation. Our future is ours to decide.” The rebuke comes as a UK trade mission, led by junior minister Sarah Jones, concludes a three-day visit focused on semiconductor supply chains.
Ministry of International Trade documents, seen by this correspondent, show discussions on reducing reliance on Chinese suppliers. Neither Taipei nor London has publicly linked the mission to Trump’s remarks, but sources indicate the timing has caused unease in Beijing. A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson called the UK visit “a violation of the One-China principle” and warned of unspecified consequences.
The trade delegation remains undeterred, with a British official stating: “We conduct business where it makes economic sense. Our presence here is about jobs and growth, not political statements.” Trump’s warning, meanwhile, has been met with scepticism in diplomatic circles.
One Western diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity, called it “a distraction from the real work of deterrence.” The diplomat noted that Trump’s record on Taiwan during his presidency was erratic, with both troop withdrawals and arms sales. The UK mission is expected to sign memoranda of understanding on technology sharing later this week.
Critics argue the trip undermines efforts to maintain stability in the Taiwan Strait. But for now, the British government is pressing ahead, apparently unbothered by the former US president’s outburst or Beijing’s ire.
