Pakistani actor Sanam Saeed makes statement in shimmering saree at Cannes 2026, fans highlight Aishwarya Rai connectionZindagi Gulzar Hai actor Sanam Saeed stuns at Cannes 2026 in a green saree. Fans love the look, drawing comparisons to Aishwarya Rai’s iconic Cannes 2002 debut
Hundreds of companies raised a combined $70 billion by selling shares to the public in the United States last year. But 2026 could shatter records, with rocket and AI company SpaceX, ChatGPT-maker OpenAI and AI startup Anthropic all potentially making their stock market debuts
Iran's Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who recently emerged as a chief negotiator in talks with the United States, has been appointed to oversee relations with China, Iranian media reported on Sunday (May 17, 2026). "Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has recently been appointed as a special
Chef Ranveer Brar shares a quick and creamy Aam Shrikhand recipe every mango lover must try: Step-by-step processLove mangoes? Try this creamy Aam Shrikhand by Chef Ranveer Brar that delivers the perfect mix of creamy, fruity, and indulgent flavours. Published on: May 18
The millionaire businessman son of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has won a steering role in his father’s political party Fatah, a party official said on Sunday (May 17, 2026), as a succession fight looms for control of the embattled Palestinian Authority (PA)
Taiwan will not provoke conflict nor give up sovereignty
Taiwan will not provoke any conflict but will also not give up its sovereignty, said its president Lai Ching-te after a high-stakes summit between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping where they discussed the issue of Taiwan's independence.
According to Chinese state media, Xi had told Trump that Taiwan, a self-governed island claimed by Beijing, was "the most important issue" in bilateral ties and mishandling it could lead to conflict.
After his visit to Beijing, Trump issued a warning to Taiwan, telling Fox News: "I'm not looking to have somebody go independent."
The US is a longstanding ally of Taiwan and is bound by law to provide the island with the means to defend itself.
During his interview, Trump said that US policy on Taiwan had not changed, while making it clear he did not seek conflict with Beijing.
Trump also told reporters Xi had felt "very strongly" about Taiwan but Trump had "made no commitment either way".
Under Lai and his predecessor Tsai Ing-wen, the Taiwanese government has for years maintained that there is no need to formally declare independence because it already considers Taiwan as a sovereign nation.
Lai reiterated this stance in his Facebook post, which was his first direct response to the summit, saying "there is no 'Taiwan independence' issue".
Taiwan, the Republic of China, is a sovereign and independent democratic country," he wrote, adding that "Taiwan's future must follow the will of all the Taiwanese people.
Most people in Taiwan consider themselves a sovereign nation. But many also favour keeping the "status quo" in cross-strait relations: neither unifying with China nor formally declaring independence.
Beijing has been vocal in its dislike of Lai, who it has described as a "troublemaker" and "destroyer of cross-strait peace".
Lai wrote on Facebook that "Taiwan will not provoke, will not escalate conflict, but will not under pressure give up national sovereignty and dignity, as well as the democratic and free way of life".
"Taiwan has always been a firm defender of the status quo on both sides of the Strait, not a party to change it," he wrote.
He also said that that Taiwan was willing to "promote healthy and orderly exchanges and dialogue with China on the premise of equality and dignity", but it rejects China's attempt at using "unification" as a cover to coerce Taiwan into dialogue.
Earlier, the presidential spokesperson had said it was "self-evident" that Taiwan was "a sovereign, independent democratic country", while adding that they were committed to maintaining the status quo.
Beijing has emphasised it wants "peaceful reunification" with Taiwan, but it has not ruled out the use of force to take the island.
For decades the US has sold weapons to Taiwan, under the Taiwan Relations Act, so the island could defend itself in the case of an attack. Today the US remains Taiwan's most powerful ally and largest arms supplier.
In December, the Trump administration approved $11bn (£8bn) in arms sales to Taiwan - one of the largest ever.
The move drew ire from Beijing, which has in recent years ramped up pressure over Taiwan with regular military drills - including blockade simulations - around the island.
Trump told reporters on Air Force One, after departing Beijing, that he would decide if that sale would go ahead, adding that he and Xi had discussed it "in great detail".
Since 1982 the US has assured Taiwan that it would not consult Beijing on arms sales to Taiwan. But when asked about that commitment as he flew back from Beijing on Friday, Trump said the 1980s was a "long way".
On Sunday, Lai thanked Trump for his "continued support" for peace in the Taiwan Strait, as well as the increase in arms sales to Taiwan.
"Given that China has never given up the use of force to annex Taiwan and continues to expand its military power to try to change the regional and cross-strait status quo, America's continued sale arms to Taiwan and deeper US-Taiwan security cooperation is necessary and a key factor in maintaining regional peace and stability," Lai wrote.
Source: BBC
Related Posts: No Need To Provoke Macron, Merz, Tusk to visit Moldova to back its 'security, sovereignty' EU need for 'digital sovereignty' does not mean protectionism Tech sovereignty and AI networks set to dominate mobile meet Iran demands sovereignty over Strait of Hormuz Trump Says America "Lost A Little Bit Of Its Sovereignty" After Mamdani's Win China Says Brahmaputra Hydropower Project Fully Within Its Sovereignty India Draws Sovereignty Line On Indus Waters Case Zoho sparks questions about India’s path to ‘digital sovereignty’ At UNHRC, India condemns violation of Qatar’s sovereignty
Marriage may be a personal or societal milestone for many but not for Sara Ali Khan. Amid dating rumours with a non-actor, she seems to be in no hurry to get married. Speaking exclusively to News18, she opens up on choosing patience over pressure and prioritising self-growth over chasing
2 minutes ago
India’s SMEs are accelerating AI adoption, unlocking efficiency and growth. As competition intensifies, recognition is becoming essential for credibility and visibility. Awards platforms now offer a crucial opportunity to stand out and gain an advantage.India’s SMEs are accelerating AI adoption
2 minutes ago
India has emerged as the largest market globally for KitKat, the iconic chocolate-coated wafer bar of Swiss food and confectionery major Nestlé, driven by strong consumer penetration, product innovation and aggressive marketing investments, according to the company
3 minutes ago
Amazon employee says company tracks office hours, calls it ‘infantalizing’An Amazon employee has revealed that the e-commerce giant tracks how many hours employees spend in the office, calling the practice “infantalizing” Updated on: May 18, 2026 10:53 AM IST By Sanya Jain Share via Copy
1 minutes ago
National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) is building a common interoperable infrastructure for soundboxes which can support Unified Payments Interface-based transactions made via any payment application, according to three people in the know
3 minutes ago
Keerthy Suresh is getting candid about a topic that has followed her for years, her dramatic physical transformation and the constant commentary around it. The National Award-winning actor recently opened up about her fitness journey, weight loss, body image struggles
4 minutes ago
We’ve all had that moment on a Monday morning. You’re staring at an Excel sheet, listening to a presentation and all you can think about is: What if I just pack my bags, move to Goa, and write a book? For most of us, it remains a daydream. But one woman actually did it—and a viral post on X
2 minutes ago
Kerala Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala said he had no problems with VD Satheesan being appointed as the new Chief Minister of Kerala, emphasising that the party was more important than personal achievements. Speaking to CNN-News18, Chennithala said
4 minutes ago
Australian teens impacted by social media ban are getting less news: new researchAustralian teens impacted by social media ban are getting less news: new research Published on: May 18, 2026 11:48 AM IST PTI Share via Copy link Sydney, In the months leading up to the implementation of Australia's
2 minutes ago
For years, weight management has been reduced to a singularly accepted notion: dieting. People usually say eat less, follow the latest diet and you’re bound to get the results accordingly. Yet despite countless diets and wellness trends, sustainable weight loss continues to remain out of reach
4 minutes ago
Taiwan will not provoke any conflict but will also not give up its sovereignty, said its president Lai Ching-te after a high-stakes summit between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping where they discussed the issue of Taiwan's independence. According to Chinese state media, Xi had told Trump that Taiwan
3 minutes ago
In Himachal Pradesh, the influence of traditional beliefs, religion and cultural practices continues to shape the conservation of forest land. Dev Vans, or sacred groves, are forest patches revered as the domain of local deities (devtas). Village customs strictly prohibit tree-felling
4 hours ago
Apple's long-delayed Siri overhaul is finally expected to arrive with iOS 27, but even after more than two years since its announcement, the new features could be labelled as ‘beta’ when they first arrive with the new iPhones later this year
4 hours ago
May 17, Birthday Horoscope: Here's what the tarot cards have in store for youIf your birthday falls on May 17, here’s what your year ahead looks like, as per Tarot. Published on: May 18, 2026 1:07 AM IST By Kishori Sud Share via Copy link If you were born on May 17
4 hours ago
Aam Aadmi Pary chief Arvind Kejriwal on Friday inaugurated a night polyclinic in Goa’s Velim. The clinic, launched by AAP MLA Cruz Silva, will operate from 7 pm to 7 am and is the third “Aamche Arogya Polyclinic” opened in the constituency. Kejriwal said the facility was aimed at helping
4 hours ago
Woman found hanging in Bhopal, family claims ‘dowry death’, blames lawyer husband, mother-in-law. What is the case?Deceased's family has accused Samarth and his mother of murder. The family also claims that daughter's in-laws physically assauted her, destroyed the evidence. Updated on: May 18
4 hours ago
Indian-origin woman shares how she built $2.8 million-a-year ice cream business in USPooja Bavishi, 42, is the founder and CEO of New York-based ice cream brand Malai, which she founded in 2015. Published on: May 17, 2026 9:56 PM IST By Bhavya Sukheja Share via Copy link An Indian-origin
4 hours ago
NCB busts Dehradun lab making banned ‘jihadi drug’ Captagon; hunt on for another Syrian national linked to network31.5kg of Captagon was seized from a house in Delhi’s Neb Sarai and 196.2 kg from a container at the Mundra Port in Gujarat. Updated on: May 18
4 hours ago
The performance-focused mid-range smartphone segment is heating up, with OnePlus already launching the Nord 6 earlier in the year and Xiaomi now planning to introduce the Redmi Turbo 5 as well. While Xiaomi has not yet announced the pricing and specifications of the Turbo 5
4 hours ago
India hikes gold import duty to 15 percent to curb demand and protect forex, CBDT guidelines allow women more tax free gold than men, excess holdings need proof of source Gold has now again come into focus after the government hiked the import duty to 15 per cent from 6 per cent
4 hours ago
Love Horoscope Today for May 18, 2026: Love needs honesty and emotional maturity todayLove Horoscope Today: Find daily astrological predictions for all sun signs. Published on: May 18, 2026 7:30 AM IST By Kishori Sud Share via Copy link Aries An emotional ending may create unexpected freedom today
4 hours ago
India will be entering its 2026 monsoon season under the shadow of one of the most alarming climate signals in years, as a potentially historic El Niño event forms in the Pacific Ocean and threatens to disrupt rainfall across large parts of the country from August onwards
4 hours ago
"I was on the train, just chilling. Suddenly, someone's come over my shoulder, and stabbed me." Footballer Jonathan Gjoshe pauses as he recalls the harrowing events of 1 November last year. Just weeks into his first season at Scunthorpe United
4 hours ago
It operates under the EEE structure — Exempt, Exempt, Exempt — meaning contributions qualify for deduction under Section 80C up to Rs 1.5 lakh, interest accumulates without any tax liability within prescribed limits, and withdrawals after five continuous years of service are generally tax-free
4 hours ago
This Indian woman went from earning ₹5,000 a month to running ₹48 crore business: 'Happiness doesn’t come from money'Nayana Vaidya went from earning a salary of ₹5,000 per month to owning a ₹48 crore business Updated on: May 18, 2026 7:21 AM IST By Sanya Jain Share via Copy link Nayana
4 hours ago
‘No reparations, only 1 nuclear facility’: Iranian report lists US demands amid shaky ceasefireThe current impasse in diplomatic exchange between Iran and the United States comes after Iran's preconditions to resume negotiations for ending the war. Updated on: May 18
4 hours ago
Protesters clashed with the police in West Bengal’s Kolkata on Sunday during demonstrations against the state government restricting the offering of namaz on streets and demolishing allegedly illegal structures in the Tiljala area, according to media reports
4 hours ago
