Following his talks in Beijing with Xi Jinping, Donald Trump has warned Taiwan against pursuing formal independence. China regards Taiwan as part of its territory and considers independence a major red line; however, Taiwan’s president Lai Ching-te has insisted that since Taiwan considers itself an independent country, there is no need to formally declare independence. Beijing has increased military and diplomatic pressure on the island in recent years through military exercises, aircraft incursions and political isolation. The USA maintains a long-standing but delicate policy, recognising Beijing diplomatically while continuing to support Taiwan’s self-defence capabilities. Trump’s recent remarks have raised questions about whether that policy might be shifting, though officials insist no formal change has occurred. Many observers fear that any miscalculation involving Taiwan could increase the risk of wider regional conflict.