Trump says ‘nothing’s changed’ on Taiwan. But his words belie a big shift.

In the United States on 17 May 2026, Trump said 'nothing's changed' on Taiwan, though the Japan Times writes that his words belie a big shift. Trump warned against Taiwan independence, and TRT World reports he called US arms purchases a 'bargaining chip' with China. This followed a Trump-Xi summit, and Bloomberg reports Trump is weighing an arms deal.

Taiwan's president, Lai Ching-te, responded that Taiwan won't be sacrificed and that US arms sales are a commitment. A KMT vice chairman told Global Times that Trump's warning is a blow to the DPP and Lai. Lenta.ru reports that Trump's circle grew worried about a possible Chinese invasion of Taiwan, and BelTA reports the US said it wants stability in the situation over Taiwan.