A man poses in a sculpture depicting Taiwan (right) and mainland China, on Pingtan Island, the closest point in China to the main island of Taiwan. Photograph: AFP via Getty Images Global BriefingDenis Staunton's guide to understanding world events - what’s happening, why it matters and how it affects youMon May 18 2026 - 06:58 • 3 MIN READDonald Trump has cast doubt on future arms sales to Taiwan and stirred up a debate about independence on the self-governing island.What is Taiwan independence?Taiwan’s president William Lai spent much of Sunday trying to explain what he means by “Taiwan independence” and why it does not represent a threat to the status quo in the Taiwan Strait.
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