Xi Jinping says "opposing ‘Taiwan independence'" expects US to maintain stance

During Taiwan’s National Day ceremony, President Lai Ching‑te appealed to Indo‑Pacific nations to work together to preserve calm in the area and to recognise Taiwan’s right to self‑determination, while urging dialogue between Beijing and Washington to lower the chance of conflict. He pointed to recent Chinese aircraft and naval movements around the island and said Taiwan’s heightened defence spending aims to deter aggression rather than provoke it. In a separate meeting in Washington, Chinese President Xi Jinping told the U.S. president that he expects America to keep a stance that opposes any move toward Taiwan’s separation. The exchange underscores continuing tension among the United States, China and Taiwan over sovereignty, arms sales and the risk of escalation.