URGENT UPDATE: President Donald Trump has revealed that Chinese President Xi Jinping assured him that Beijing will refrain from taking any military action regarding Taiwan for the duration of his presidency. This statement, made during a 60 Minutes interview set to air on October 31, 2023, marks a significant development in U.S.-China relations.
In an interview taped on October 27 at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, Trump emphasized that the contentious issue of Taiwan was not discussed during his recent talks with Xi in South Korea, which primarily focused on U.S.-China trade tensions. However, he expressed confidence that China would not act on Taiwan while he remains in office.
“He has openly said, and his people have openly said at meetings, ‘We would never do anything while President Trump is president,’ because they know the consequences,” Trump stated, highlighting the precarious nature of the situation.
This announcement comes amid ongoing U.S. concerns regarding China’s military intentions towards Taiwan, a self-governed island that Beijing claims as its territory. The 1979 Taiwan Relations Act guides U.S. relations with Taiwan, ensuring that the island has the resources to defend itself but does not mandate U.S. military intervention in the event of an attack.
When pressed about whether he would order U.S. forces to defend Taiwan if attacked, Trump remained vague, stating, “You’ll find out if it happens, and he understands the answer to that,” referring to Xi. This reflects the long-standing U.S. policy of “strategic ambiguity,” where both Republican and Democratic administrations have avoided clear commitments regarding military support for Taiwan.
The Chinese embassy in Washington has yet to respond to requests for comment on Trump’s assertions. The White House has also remained tight-lipped about the specifics of any discussions where Xi or Chinese officials conveyed reassurance about military action against Taiwan being off the table.
This latest assertion by Trump adds another layer to the already complex U.S.-China relationship, particularly concerning Taiwan, which remains a focal point of international tension. As developments unfold, observers will be keenly monitoring any shifts in policy or military posturing from China.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops, and share your thoughts on how this could impact U.S.-China relations moving forward.
