In recent years, trust between Taiwan and the United States has been on the decline, especially since the start of Donald Trump's presidency. This has become a significant concern for Taiwan, which has long relied on the U.S. as its key ally in the region. Recent diplomatic interactions, including a high-profile summit between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, have raised questions about the reliability of U.S. support for Taiwan. During the summit, which took place in Washington, D.C., on September 25, Xi Jinping emphasized that China hopes the U.S. will handle the issue of Taiwan "with caution." Taiwan, a self-governing island with its own government, is claimed by China, which sees it as an inalienable part of its territory. The Taiwanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded by stating that Taiwan's sovereignty belongs to its people, and the Chinese Communist Party has no right to represent them. The summit, the second between the two leaders this year, followed a previous meeting in Beijing in May. At that time, Trump made remarks that had a strong impact on Taiwan, particularly regarding a $14 billion arms sale that had been put on hold since January 2026. Trump had described the sale as a "very good negotiation lever," suggesting he might delay it depending on China's actions. This has left Taiwan waiting for confirmation, questioning the U.S. commitment to its security. Taiwan has always considered the U.S. as its most important ally, a relationship formalized by the Taiwan Relations Act in 1979. This law, adopted by the U.S. Congress, defines relations with Taiwan similarly to those with a country, despite the absence of formal diplomatic ties. It also mandates the provision of arms to Taiwan for its defense. These provisions were further strengthened in 1982 with the "Six Assurances," which include a commitment that the U.S. will not consult with China before concluding arms sales to Taiwan. However, Trump's statements during his May visit to Beijing, where he suggested using the arms sale as a negotiation tool, were seen as a violation of these assurances. Recent surveys indicate that trust in the U.S. among the Taiwanese population has significantly declined. A survey conducted in May 2026 found that only 24% of respondents believed the U.S. to be a reliable ally. This is a marked decrease compared to previous years. Researchers note that Trump's comments on the U.S.-China-Taiwan relationship have had an immediate impact on public opinion. Despite these concerns, there are still efforts from various U.S. officials to reaffirm support for Taiwan, including statements from the American Institute in Taiwan and the White House. For now, the situation remains uncertain, with the outcome of the arms sale being a key indicator of U.S. support for Taiwan.