Taiwan's top officials issued strong statements defending the island's autonomy following reports that President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping discussed Taiwan during their recent summit meeting.

Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te declared that Taiwan "will never be sacrificed or traded," according to multiple reports. The statement came as Chinese state media reported that Xi told Trump there would be "conflicts" if the Taiwan situation isn't "handled properly."

Alexander Yui, Taiwan's representative to the United States, told CBS News that Taiwan wants "peace and stability" and emphasized that "we're not the ones creating all this trouble" in the region. Yui's comments came as Taiwan emerged as one of the most closely watched issues from the Trump-Xi summit.

The exchanges highlighted the ongoing tensions over Taiwan's status. In separate remarks, Lai reportedly clarified that "Taiwan independence" means the island does not belong to Beijing, reaffirming Taiwan's position on its sovereignty.

Former Defense Secretary Robert Gates weighed in on the discussions, telling CBS News that "it would be a mistake to change the carefully worded position of the United States with respect to Taiwan." Gates' comments reflected concerns about potential shifts in long-standing U.S. policy toward the island.

The statements from Taiwan officials came amid reports that Trump is considering arms deals with Taiwan, further complicating the diplomatic dynamics between Washington, Taipei, and Beijing.