The Daily Populous Saturday May 16th, 2026 evening edition
Authored by bbc.co.uk and submitted by pppppppppppppppppd

Trump earlier said he had "made no commitment either way" about the self-governing island - which China claims as part of its territory and has not ruled out taking by force.

Washington's established position is that it does not support Taiwanese independence, with continued ties with Beijing being contingent on its acceptance that there is only one Chinese government.

Beijing has been vocal in its dislike of Taiwan's president, who it has previously described as a "troublemaker" and a "destroyer of cross-strait peace".

Many Taiwanese consider themselves to be part of a separate nation - though most are in favour of maintaining the status quo in which Taiwan neither declares independence from China nor unites with it.

In his interview with Fox News, 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 want them to cool down. I want China to cool down."

On the flight back to Washington, the US president had told reporters that he and Xi had spoken "a lot" about the island, but said he had declined to discuss whether the US would defend it.

Xi "feels very strongly" about the island and "doesn't want to see a movement for independence", Trump said.

"The Taiwan question is the most important issue in China-US relations," Xi warned during the talks, according to Chinese state media, adding: "If mishandled, the two nations could collide or even come into conflict."

Asked if he foresaw a conflict with China over Taiwan, Trump had said: "No, I don't think so. I think we'll be fine. [Xi] doesn't want to see a war."

phicks_law on May 15th, 2026 at 23:55 UTC »

This is exactly why China extended the invite.

Mormaethor on May 15th, 2026 at 23:34 UTC »

It's crazy watching everything Trump does as an outsider.

I can't even imagine what it must feel like as a sane US citizen watching this administration undo everything your country used to be.

LordScotchyScotch on May 15th, 2026 at 23:29 UTC »

Such a weak puppet. History books will have a field day about this loser.