Phone call with Trump: Return to China 'not an option', Taiwan warns

Taiwan’s prime minister has stated firmly that the island will not “return” to China, responding to comments made earlier by Chinese President Xi Jinping during a call with U.S. President Donald Trump. Xi had argued that Taiwan’s reunification with China is part of the post–World War II international order, but Taiwan’s government rejects this, insisting it is a fully sovereign and independent nation.

Prime Minister Cho Jung-tai emphasized that the idea of returning to China is unacceptable to Taiwan’s 23 million citizens. Beijing has long proposed a “one country, two systems” arrangement for Taiwan, but no major Taiwanese political party supports it.

Tensions in the region have also risen between China and Japan after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi warned that any attack on Taiwan would trigger a military response. China condemned her remarks, saying Japan had crossed a critical red line. Analysts suggest Beijing is increasingly concerned about escalating friction with Tokyo.

Although the U.S. does not take a position on Taiwan’s sovereignty, Washington opposes the use of force by China and maintains strategic ambiguity about whether it would send troops if conflict erupts in the Taiwan Strait.

Recently, Taiwan reported spotting a Chinese balloon over the strait, describing it as part of ongoing harassment by Beijing. China dismissed such accusations, saying the balloons are used for weather monitoring.

Meanwhile, relations between China and the U.S. have improved slightly. Trump confirmed he will visit Beijing in April, while Xi is expected in Washington in 2026. Their meeting in South Korea helped ease tensions, and Trump has since moved to reduce tariffs, saying ties between the two countries are “extremely strong.”