Taiwan denounces Xi's comments to Trump as 'distortion of facts'

Taiwan's foreign ministry said Xi's comments reflected China's approach of "distorting facts and unilaterally conveying its position and claims." It said Taiwan's sovereignty belongs to its people and that they can determine the island's future through democratic means.

The ministry called China the "true disruptor" of regional peace and stability, citing military threats around Taiwan and in the East and South China Seas. It said Taiwan would continue working with the United States and other partners to safeguard peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. The United States is Taiwan's most important international backer and arms supplier, despite a lack of formal diplomatic ties; in May, Trump said he was pausing a planned new arms sale to Taiwan, calling it a good bargaining chip.