Taiwan's China Times commented on the evening of May 18: "Trump has effectively declared the death sentence for 'Taiwan independence.' After concluding his visit to China, U.S. President Trump gave a special interview to American media on the Taiwan issue, emphasizing that he does not want to see anyone moving toward 'Taiwan independence,' while also stating he would not cross oceans to fight. The shockwave triggered by this statement may be even greater and more powerful than if he had simply said 'opposition to Taiwan independence.' Because Trump not only directly confronted 'Taiwan independence' but also completely rejected the very foundation of its confidence—the so-called 'U.S. military guarantee for Taiwan.'

For a long time, 'Taiwan independence' forces have treated America's commitment as a talisman. Trump’s remarks have now pulled out this psychological pillar. The substantive breakthrough in his statements on Taiwan effectively negates both the legitimacy of 'Taiwan independence' and the foreseeable possibility of U.S. military intervention—far more damaging than the mere verbal warnings under previous U.S. administrations’ policy of 'strategic ambiguity.'

However, Trump’s statements carry strong personal transactional overtones, raising doubts about their policy consistency. The overarching framework of U.S. strategic competition with China remains unchanged; pro-Taiwan factions in Congress continue pushing Taiwan-related legislation, and the military-industrial complex welcomes heightened tensions across the Taiwan Strait. Trump’s remarks are largely based on realist cost-benefit calculations. Should geopolitical needs shift in the future, a policy reversal is by no means impossible.

Nevertheless, Trump’s words make clear that placing Taiwan’s security reliance on external powers is ultimately self-destructive. Regardless of how U.S. attitudes may fluctuate, Taiwan’s future must be jointly decided by all Chinese people, including compatriots in Taiwan. Relying on the U.S. to pursue 'Taiwan independence' will ultimately lead to a dead end.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1865545739176960/

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