Ministry of Foreign Affairs: US Policy on Taiwan Unchanged, Taiwan is the Party Maintaining the Status Quo
In response to discussions about a 'Trump-Xi meeting,' Taiwan's Deputy Foreign Minister Chen Ming-chi stressed that fundamental U.S. policy toward Taiwan, based on the Taiwan Relations Act and Six Assurances, has not changed. Chen asserted that it is China, not Taiwan, that is attempting to alter the peaceful and stable status quo in the Taiwan Strait, and added that communication channels between Taiwan and the U.S. remain robust.
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- 📰 Published: May 18, 2026 at 18:16
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(CNA, Taipei, May 18, Reporter: Lu Chia-jung) Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Chen Ming-chi emphasized today that there has been no change in U.S. policy toward Taiwan, which remains based on the 'Taiwan Relations Act' and the 'Six Assurances.' He also stated that Taiwan is the party seeking to maintain the status quo, while China is using various methods to change the peaceful and stable situation in the Taiwan Strait.
Tunghai University's Center for China's Mainland and Regional Development held a seminar today on 'Prospects for Cross-Strait Relations after the 'Trump-Xi Meeting',' where Chen spoke to the media before the event.
When asked if Taiwan communicated with the U.S. during the Trump-Xi meeting, Chen stated that Taiwan and the U.S. maintained excellent communication channels before, during, and after the event. They had an understanding of the potential topics of discussion beforehand, maintained good communication with Washington during the meeting, and had a full grasp of the entire situation.
Chen further explained that President Trump's remarks are related to his experience and personality, and he has his own way of speaking, on which he would not comment. However, in the grand scheme of things, the most important core message is that U.S. policy toward Taiwan has not changed, and maintaining the status quo in the Taiwan Strait remains a key interest for all parties.
He stressed that communication channels between Taiwan and the U.S. are very smooth, they have a full grasp of relevant issues, and they maintain contact with friends in Washington.
Chen went on to say that Taiwan is the party that wants to maintain the status quo, while China is the party attempting to change the peaceful and stable status quo in the Taiwan Strait through military actions, various gray-zone operations, and cognitive warfare.
He also emphasized that the Taiwanese people need not worry. With no change in U.S. policy toward Taiwan, the U.S. security commitments and economic and trade relations with us remain the same, and everything is proceeding as planned.
Regarding Trump's statement about wanting to communicate with 'the people who currently govern Taiwan' about arms sales, Chen said that this part, concerning a high-level call between the U.S. and Taiwan, is pending confirmation, and the government will use all channels to understand the true intentions of the U.S. 'If he (referring to Trump) is willing to talk to our president, it would be a very good and rare opportunity.'
Chen stated that China takes advantage of information gaps, pushing its agenda on Trump when he is alone with CCP General Secretary Xi Jinping. Therefore, if such an opportunity arises, Taiwan would clearly state its position that it is the party seeking to maintain peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, while China is the party with intentions to disrupt the status quo. This is not only felt by Taiwan but also by Japan and the Philippines, which have encountered many harassing behaviors from China at sea. 'This is all very clearly recognized,' he said. (Editor: Chiu Kuo-chiang) 1150518
Tunghai University's Center for China's Mainland and Regional Development held a seminar today on 'Prospects for Cross-Strait Relations after the 'Trump-Xi Meeting',' where Chen spoke to the media before the event.
When asked if Taiwan communicated with the U.S. during the Trump-Xi meeting, Chen stated that Taiwan and the U.S. maintained excellent communication channels before, during, and after the event. They had an understanding of the potential topics of discussion beforehand, maintained good communication with Washington during the meeting, and had a full grasp of the entire situation.
Chen further explained that President Trump's remarks are related to his experience and personality, and he has his own way of speaking, on which he would not comment. However, in the grand scheme of things, the most important core message is that U.S. policy toward Taiwan has not changed, and maintaining the status quo in the Taiwan Strait remains a key interest for all parties.
He stressed that communication channels between Taiwan and the U.S. are very smooth, they have a full grasp of relevant issues, and they maintain contact with friends in Washington.
Chen went on to say that Taiwan is the party that wants to maintain the status quo, while China is the party attempting to change the peaceful and stable status quo in the Taiwan Strait through military actions, various gray-zone operations, and cognitive warfare.
He also emphasized that the Taiwanese people need not worry. With no change in U.S. policy toward Taiwan, the U.S. security commitments and economic and trade relations with us remain the same, and everything is proceeding as planned.
Regarding Trump's statement about wanting to communicate with 'the people who currently govern Taiwan' about arms sales, Chen said that this part, concerning a high-level call between the U.S. and Taiwan, is pending confirmation, and the government will use all channels to understand the true intentions of the U.S. 'If he (referring to Trump) is willing to talk to our president, it would be a very good and rare opportunity.'
Chen stated that China takes advantage of information gaps, pushing its agenda on Trump when he is alone with CCP General Secretary Xi Jinping. Therefore, if such an opportunity arises, Taiwan would clearly state its position that it is the party seeking to maintain peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, while China is the party with intentions to disrupt the status quo. This is not only felt by Taiwan but also by Japan and the Philippines, which have encountered many harassing behaviors from China at sea. 'This is all very clearly recognized,' he said. (Editor: Chiu Kuo-chiang) 1150518