Taiwan's Lai Issues Five-Point Message of Independence, Thanks U.S. Support

Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te issued a five-point message of independence Sunday, thanking U.S. support and rejecting China's claims over the island.

"Taiwan will not, under pressure, give up national sovereignty and dignity, or its democratic and free way of life," Lai wrote in a Facebook post. "Taiwan will never be sacrificed or traded."

Lai's comments were his first direct response to last week's summit in Beijing between President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping. The meeting raised concerns in Taiwan about a possible Chinese invasion.

Trump warned Taiwan not to expect a blank check from the U.S. military and said the United States was "not looking to have somebody say, 'Let's go independent because the United States is backing us.'"

Lai said long-term Taiwan-U.S. security cooperation and arms sales rest on the Taiwan Relations Act, the 1979 law that requires weapons sales to the island. He called the arrangement "the most important deterrent force over the years against actions that undermine regional peace and stability."

The Trump administration approved an $11 billion arms sales package in December, the largest ever. Reuters reported that a second package worth about $14 billion still awaits Trump's approval.

Lai laid out five points in his post:

"First, Taiwan is the defender of the status quo of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and the region."

"Second, China is the root cause of regional instability and changes to the status quo."

"Third, defending the status quo of the Republic of China is not an issue of 'Taiwan independence.'"

"Fourth, Taiwan-U.S. security cooperation and arms sales are key elements in maintaining regional peace and stability."

"Fifth, Taiwan is at the heart of global core interests, and peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait must never be sacrificed or traded."

Lai thanked Trump for continued support of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, including increased arms sales that have strengthened Taiwan's self-defense. He said Taiwan will continue to improve its capabilities, defend democracy and freedom, and maintain the status quo without arrogance or submission.

There was no immediate response from China or the White House. Trump said he listened to Xi's positions on Taiwan but would not reveal whether he would act in defense of Taiwan in the event of an invasion.