⁠Taiwan on Saturday said it is ​thankful for ​US President Donald Trump's long-standing support for ​peace ‌and stability ⁠across the Taiwan ‌Strait and asserted it was a "sovereign and independent" nation. The statement was issued a day after Trump, following his visit to China, warned the democratic island against declaring formal independence. Read moreTrump warns Taiwan against declaring independence from China after meeting Xi Taiwan "is a sovereign and independent democratic nation, and is not subordinate to the People's Republic of China", Taiwan's foreign ministry said in a statement. The ministry also insisted that US arms sales were part of Washington's security commitment to Taiwan, after Trump flagged that he was considering the issue. "Regarding Taiwan-US arms sales, this is not only a US security commitment to Taiwan clearly stipulated in the Taiwan Relations Act, but also a form of joint deterrence against regional threats," the ministry said. Speaking to reporters in Taipei on ‌Saturday, Taiwan Deputy Foreign Minister Chen Ming-chi also asserted that US arms sales are confirmed under the Taiwan Relations Act. "Taiwan-US arms sales have always been a cornerstone of regional peace ‌and stability," he said. In December, the Trump administration approved a record $11 billion arms sale package for Taiwan. Reuters ​has reported a second one, worth around $14 billion, still awaits Trump's approval. Chen declined to comment on the second package because it has yet to be made public, saying ​Taiwan will continue to communicate with and understand the situation from the US side. Taiwan's statements came a day after Trump wrapped up a visit to Beijing where Chinese President Xi Jinping had pressed him not to support the self-ruling island, which China claims is part of its territory.