Trump Says Chinese President Xi Promised Not to Invade Taiwan While He’s in Office
US President Donald Trump revealed on Friday that Chinese President Xi Jinping assured him China would not invade Taiwan as long as Trump remains president.
Speaking in an interview on Fox News ahead of his talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin about the Ukraine conflict, Trump said, “I will tell you, President Xi told me he would never do it while I’m president. I appreciate that. But he also said China is very patient.”
Trump and Xi had their first confirmed phone call during Trump’s second term in June. Earlier in April, Trump mentioned a call from Xi but didn’t provide details on the timing.
China claims Taiwan as part of its territory and has promised to “reunify” the island by force if needed. Taiwan, however, operates as a democratic and self-governing region, strongly opposing China’s claims.
The Chinese Embassy in Washington responded to the comments by emphasizing Taiwan as “the most important and sensitive issue” in China-US relations. Spokesperson Liu Pengyu urged the US to respect the “one-China principle” and handle Taiwan-related matters carefully to maintain peace and stability.
Although the US supports Taiwan with arms sales and diplomatic backing, it doesn’t have formal diplomatic ties with the island, like most countries.
Taiwan’s government hasn’t officially responded to Trump’s statement yet. However, on Saturday, a senior lawmaker from Taiwan’s ruling party expressed gratitude for US support but stressed the importance of Taiwan strengthening its own defenses.
“Security cannot rely solely on the enemy’s promises or help from friends. Building up our defense is fundamental,” said Wang Ting-yu, a member of Taiwan’s defense and foreign affairs committee, in a Facebook post.