Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te affirmed that relations with the United States remain 'rock solid' in the wake of a phone call between Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump on February 4, 2026. Speaking to reporters during a visit to textile merchants in western Taiwan, Lai emphasized that all cooperation projects between Taipei and Washington will continue uninterrupted.
The statement came hours after Xi warned Trump to exercise prudence in arms sales to Taiwan, reiterating Beijing's claim that the island is part of China's territory. Lai countered by stating that Taiwan's status as separate from the People's Republic of China remains unchanged, and U.S. commitments to the island are steadfast.
This response highlights Taiwan's strategy to bolster international alliances amid escalating pressures from China. The self-ruled democracy, which Beijing vows to annex by force if necessary, has seen increased U.S. support, including military aid and diplomatic engagements. Analysts suggest Lai's comments aim to reassure domestic audiences and international partners of the resilience of Taiwan-U.S. ties despite high-level Sino-U.S. dialogues.
The Xi-Trump call also touched on trade and other global issues, but Taiwan emerged as a focal point for Beijing. Trump's administration has previously approved significant arms deals to Taiwan, drawing ire from China. Lai's affirmation underscores Taiwan's determination to maintain its de facto independence and strengthen defenses against potential aggression.
Geopolitically, this episode illustrates the delicate balance in the Taiwan Strait. As China intensifies its rhetoric and military activities around the island, Taiwan continues to seek broader international recognition and support. The ongoing exchanges between major powers will likely shape the future trajectory of cross-strait relations, with implications for regional stability in the Indo-Pacific.
