China’s Foreign Ministry stated that Chinese leader Xi Jinping (習近平) insisted the United States oppose Taiwan independence when meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington last Wednesday to Friday. While the topic appeared in Beijing’s official English-language press release, it was not mentioned in the White House’s official September 25 fact sheet.

Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) Minister Chiu Chui-cheng (邱垂正) on Tuesday commented that U.S. policy toward Taiwan overall remains unchanged following the Trump-Xi meeting. He added that Taiwan will strive to maintain peace, stability, and prosperity in the Taiwan Strait as it upholds the status quo.

Chiu said, “Our policy is to maintain the status quo with neither servility nor arrogance and to continue promoting pragmatic exchanges across the Taiwan Strait under the principles of equality and dignity. Our commitment to respectfully promoting healthy exchanges without united front tactics remains unchanged. We will maintain the status quo with neither servility nor arrogance.”

Minister Chiu also commented on concerns regarding increased risks for Taiwanese citizens traveling to China following the country’s implementation of new entry and exit regulations. There are currently 168 cases of Taiwanese citizens going missing or disappearing after arriving in China, 39 cases of being detained for questioning, and 242 cases of being detained under illegal pretexts, Chiu said.

The MAC urges Taiwanese citizens to remain vigilant when traveling to China, carefully considering the necessity of such trips, and thoroughly preparing to minimize risks. Chiu said the council and other agencies will provide necessary information to help remind Taiwanese citizens of the potential risks.