Taiwan envoy says Trump heard only China's side on island during Beijing visit

Taiwan's representative to the United States, Alexander Yui, said President Trump heard only China's account of Taiwan during his recent visit to Beijing. Yui spoke on the CBS program Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan on May 17, 2026.

Yui said Trump mentioned hearing a lot about Taiwan during the two days in Beijing. He said the president heard only the Chinese side of the story and that Taiwan would like to present its own account of resilience against Chinese pressure.

The ambassador said the standoff with China has lasted 77 years, since the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949. He said it is not a recent development tied to Taiwan's current ruling party.

Brennan asked whether a call is planned between Trump and Taiwan President Lai Ching-te. Yui said communications between the two sides remain constant but left any announcement to the U.S. government.

Brennan noted that China calls Lai a separatist. She asked whether Taiwan intends to declare formal independence. Yui said Taiwan's understanding of independence means remaining free from Chinese aggression and maintaining its sovereignty, democracy and economy. He said the People's Republic of China has never ruled Taiwan.

Yui said Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated during the Beijing visit that U.S. policy toward Taiwan has not changed. He said the administration wants to preserve the status quo and avoid coercion in the Taiwan Strait.

Brennan asked about Trump's comments that he would hold a pending arms sale to Taiwan as a negotiating chip with China. Yui said Taiwan needs the weapons to strengthen its defenses and deter conflict. He said it is better for Taiwan to buy arms than for the United States to send forces 9,500 miles away.

Yui said past U.S. administrations, including Trump's first term, approved major arms sales to Taiwan under the Taiwan Relations Act. He said continued sales serve the interests of both countries by keeping the Taiwan Strait peaceful and stable.