Taiwan President Lai Ching-te said on Wednesday that the island’s future can only be decided by its own people, as he marked two years in office amid growing pressure from both China and the United States.

Speaking at the presidential office in Taipei, Lai said Taiwan would not surrender its democratic system or allow outside powers to determine its future.

“Taiwan’s future cannot be decided by external forces, nor can it be held hostage by fear, division, or short-term interests,” Lai said.

“Taiwan’s future must be decided jointly by its 23 million people.”

Lai Responds After Trump-Xi Summit

Lai’s remarks came days after U.S. President Donald Trump held talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing.

Following the summit, Trump said he remained undecided on future arms sales to Taiwan, describing them as a “good negotiating chip”. He also said Washington was “not looking to have somebody say, ‘Let’s go independent’.”

The comments sparked concern in Taiwan, which depends heavily on U.S. military support as China increases pressure on the island.

Taiwan Rejects China’s Claims

China views Taiwan as part of its territory and has repeatedly warned against any move towards formal independence.

Beijing has labelled Lai a “separatist” and refuses formal communication with his government.

Lai, however, said Taiwan remains committed to maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait while resisting attempts to change the status quo through pressure or intimidation.

“Taiwan is a responsible member of the international community, not a party that undermines stability,” he said.

Calls For Dialogue But On Equal Terms

The Taiwanese president also repeated his willingness to engage with Beijing, but stressed that any dialogue must happen on the basis of equality and dignity.

He rejected Chinese efforts to present unification as the only path to peace.

Lai added that democracy in Taiwan had not come easily and was not “a gift that fell from the sky”.

(with inputs from Reuters)