What Happened
US President Donald Trump has cautioned Taiwan against formally declaring independence from China.
"I'm not looking to have somebody go independent," the US president Friday, -day summit with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping in Beijing.
Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te has previously stated that Taiwan declare formal independence because it already sees itself as a sovereign nation.
supported Taiwan, including provide it with a -defence, but has frequently had to square this alliance with maintaining a diplomatic relationship with China.
Why It Matters
Trump earlier "made no commitment either way" -governing island - which China claims territory taking by force.
Washington's established position support Taiwanese independence, with continued ties with Beijing being contingent on its acceptance Chinese government.
Beijing dislike of Taiwan's president, previously described as a "troublemaker" and a "destroyer of cross-strait peace".
Many Taiwanese consider themselves a separate nation - though favour of maintaining the status Taiwan neither declares independence unites with it.
What Comes Next
In his interview , Trump reiterated that US policy on the matter had not changed.
"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.
"The Taiwan question important -US relations," Xi warned during the talks, according to Chinese state media, adding: "If mishandled, the two nations could collide conflict."
foresaw a conflict Taiwan, : "No, I don't think so. I think we'. [Xi] doesn't a war."
China has ramped up military drills around the island in recent years, raising tensions in the region and testing the balance that Washington has struck.
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