TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it is maintaining close communication with the US as President Donald Trump prepares for talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.

Trump on Monday suggested that wording on the US stance on Taiwan independence could come up during trade talks with Xi at the APEC summit in South Korea. Director-General of the foreign ministry’s North American Affairs Department Wang Liang-yu (王良玉) said on Tuesday the ministry is closely monitoring US-China interactions, per Liberty Times. 

Wang said Taiwan and the US maintain a “smooth communication channel” and stay in close contact. She added the Trump administration has repeatedly reaffirmed its support for Taiwan and Washington’s long-standing policies.

At a White House briefing, Trump was asked about US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s warning that a Chinese invasion could be “imminent” and whether AUKUS could serve as a deterrent, per CNA. Trump said that while the alliance can act as a deterrent, it will not be needed, adding, “I think we will be just fine with China. China does not want to do that.”

A reporter asked Trump to comment on reports that China is pressuring him to change US wording on Taiwan independence from not supporting to “opposing,” in exchange for a trade deal. Trump said that when he meets with Xi in South Korea, “I am assuming that will be one of the things, but I am not going to talk about that right now.”