What Happened
Taiwan has insisted it is a sovereign, independent nation, after US President Donald Trump cautioned it against formally declaring independence from China.
Trump's remarks came after a two-day summit in Beijing, "made no commitment either way" -governing island - which China claims territory taking by force.
Chinese President Xi Jinping, decide whether to approve an $11bn ($8bn) package of weapons Taiwan.
The US administration provide Taiwan with a -defence, but has frequently had to square this alliance with maintaining a diplomatic relationship with China.
Why It Matters
Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te has previously stated that Taiwan declare formal independence because it already sees itself as a sovereign nation.
On Saturday, presidential spokesperson "self-evident" that Taiwan was "a sovereign, independent democratic country".
She added, however, that Taiwan was committed to maintaining the status - in which Taiwan neither declares independence unites with it.
Many Taiwanese consider themselves a separate nation, though favour of maintaining their current status.
What Comes Next
Washington's established position support Taiwanese independence, with continued ties with Beijing being contingent on its acceptance Chinese government.
In an interview meetings with President Xi, Trump reiterated that US policy on Taiwan had not changed, while making conflict with Beijing.
"I'm not looking to have somebody go independent," he said.
"You know, we're supposed to travel 9,500 miles (15,289km) to fight a war. I'm not looking for that. I . I ."
On the flight back to Washington, the US president had told reporters spoken "a lot" about the island, declined to discuss whether defend it.
Xi "feels very strongly" about the island and "doesn't a movement for independence", Trump said.
Beijing dislike of Taiwan's president, previously described as a "troublemaker" and a "destroyer of cross-strait peace".
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