The Philippines would likely be involved in any conflict over Taiwan due to its proximity to the island democracy claimed by China, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said, reiterating a stance that risks angering Beijing.

TAIPEI/BEIJING, May 19 (Reuters) - China is the greatest source of regional unease and instability due to its ongoing military activities, Taiwan's Premier Cho Jung-tai said on Tuesday, as the defence ministry reported the Chinese military was again conducting exercises near the island.

Throughout the formalities of Donald Trump’s two-day visit to Beijing, which ended on May 15th, the American president avoided talking publicly about Taiwan. That temporarily soothed Taiwanese fears that he might bow to Chinese pressure to curb arms sales to the island or even change America’s public position towards it,

Trump raised doubts about arms sales to Taiwan and whether the U.S. would defend the island, rattling a sensitive relationship amid threats from Beijing.

China's foreign ministry said on Monday it opposed countries providing platforms for "Taiwan independence separatist" activities, after Taiwan's foreign minister arrived in

Fresh from his summit in Beijing, the US president warned against a formal declaration of independence by the island.

As President Trump left Beijing, he and Xi Jinping, China’s leader, played up stability. There was no indication that they had resolved any major points of contention on Taiwan, the war in Iran or other issues.

Taiwan's representative to the U.S. Alexander Yui said on Sunday that "we want peace and stability" as Taiwan became among the most closely-watched issues in last week's summit.

Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te vows Taiwan will never be sacrificed or traded, rebuking China and thanking Trump for security cooperation.