The President of the Republic of China (Taiwan), Tsai Ing-wen, presented the “Four Unchanging Principles” in response to the phone call between the leaders of the United States and China. She emphasized the rock-solid relationship between Taiwan and the United States, the mutual non-subordination between the two sides, and the continuous cooperation between Taiwan and the U.S.
On Wednesday, U.S. President Trump (Donald Trump) had a lengthy phone call with the leader of the Communist Party of China, Xi Jinping, marking their first conversation in over two months. Trump later described the dialogue as “long and thorough” on the Truth Social platform, stating that the relationship between the two parties was “very good” and the content of the call was “very positive.”
Apart from Taiwan-related issues, Trump and Xi also extensively discussed trade, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the situation in Iran, as well as China’s procurement of American oil, natural gas, and agricultural products. Trump also revealed his plans to visit China in April this year.
Trump did not mention specific discussions about Taiwan in his post. However, according to reports from Chinese state media, Xi Jinping urged caution from the U.S. regarding arms sales to Taiwan.
Just last December, the Trump administration announced a record-breaking arms sale package worth over $11 billion to Taiwan, marking the largest such sale in U.S. history.
On Thursday morning, during an interview in central Taiwan, Tsai Ing-wen responded to questions from reporters, particularly addressing the Trump-Xi phone call.
Tsai Ing-wen stated, “Taiwan and the United States also have excellent communication channels, and I propose the ‘Four Unchanging Principles’ regarding the tripartite relations between the U.S., China, and Taiwan.”
She further explained, “First, the Republic of China and the People’s Republic of China are not subordinate to each other. Taiwan is not a part of the People’s Republic of China, and this fact will not change.”
She also emphasized the second principle, which is based on the Taiwan Relations Act and the six assurances to Taiwan from the United States. The third principle focuses on the U.S. alliance with friendly countries for collective defense and the maintenance of peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
“The Taiwan-U.S. relationship is solid as a rock, and all cooperation projects will continue without change,” Tsai Ing-wen affirmed, adding, “I hope everyone can support the government and the country as we move forward together.”
Despite China considering Taiwan as part of its territory and not ruling out the use of force to control the island, the Taiwan government has repeatedly stressed that only the Taiwanese people can determine their own future.
Following the Trump-Xi call, White House officials reiterated to the Central News Agency that the U.S.’s “One China Policy” is based on the Taiwan Relations Act, the three U.S.-China Joint Communiques, and the six assurances to Taiwan. The officials stated, “Our Taiwan policy remains unchanged.”
The Taiwan Relations Act is a domestic law passed by the U.S. Congress in response to the severance of diplomatic ties between Taiwan and the U.S., regulating various aspects of the relationship post-severance, including security, arms sales, economic and trade cooperation, and cultural exchanges.
The six assurances include commitments such as not setting a date to terminate arms sales to Taiwan, not soliciting China’s opinion on arms sales to Taiwan, refraining from mediating between Taipei and Beijing, not agreeing to amend the Taiwan Relations Act, maintaining the U.S.’s stance on Taiwan sovereignty, and not pressuring Taiwan in its negotiations with China.