Taiwan will not provoke any conflict but will also not give up its sovereignty, said its president Lai Ching-te after a high-stakes summit between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping where they discussed the issue of Taiwan's independence. According to Chinese state media, Xi had told Trump that Taiwan, a self-governed island claimed by Beijing, was 'the most important issue' in bilateral ties and mishandling it could lead to conflict. After his visit to Beijing, Trump issued a warning to Taiwan, telling Fox News: 'I'm not looking to have somebody go independent.' The US is a longstanding ally of Taiwan and is bound by law to provide the island with the means to defend itself. During his interview, Trump said that US policy on Taiwan had not changed, while making it clear he did not seek conflict with Beijing. Trump also told reporters Xi had felt 'very strongly' about Taiwan but Trump had 'made no commitment either way.' Under Lai and his predecessor Tsai Ing-wen, the Taiwanese government has for years maintained that there is no need to formally declare independence because it already considers Taiwan as a sovereign nation. Lai reiterated this stance in his Facebook post, stating 'there is no 'Taiwan independence' issue.' He emphasized that 'Taiwan, the Republic of China, is a sovereign and independent democratic country,' adding that 'Taiwan's future must follow the will of all the Taiwanese people.' Most people in Taiwan consider themselves a sovereign nation. However, many also favor keeping the 'status quo' in cross-strait relations: neither unifying with China nor formally declaring independence. Beijing has been vocal in its dislike of Lai, whom it describes as a 'troublemaker' and a 'destroyer of cross-strait peace.' Lai wrote on Facebook that '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.' He clarified that Taiwan has always been a firm defender of the status quo on both sides of the Strait, not a party to change it. Lai also indicated Taiwan's willingness to promote healthy and orderly exchanges and dialogues with China on the premise of equality and dignity, but it rejects China's attempt to use 'unification' as a cover for coercion. Earlier, the presidential spokesperson stated it was 'self-evident' that Taiwan was 'a sovereign, independent democratic country' while reaffirming a commitment to maintaining the status quo. Beijing has emphasized its desire for 'peaceful reunification' with Taiwan but has not ruled out the use of force. For decades, the US has sold weapons to Taiwan under the Taiwan Relations Act for its self-defense against potential attacks. Today, the US remains Taiwan's most powerful ally and largest arms supplier. In December, the Trump administration approved an $11 billion arms sale to Taiwan — one of the largest ever — which angered Beijing, which has ramped up military pressure with drills around the island. Trump indicated a potential $14 billion arms sale to Taipei, saying he would decide its fate based on discussions with Xi. Since the 1980s, the US assured Taiwan not to consult Beijing on arms sales. However, Trump claimed that the 1980s were 'a long way' when addressing this commitment. On Sunday, Lai thanked Trump for his 'continued support' for peace in the Taiwan Strait and the increase in arms sales, stating that '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 arms sales to Taiwan and deeper US-Taiwan security cooperation are necessary and a key factor in maintaining regional peace and stability.'