BREAKING: President Donald Trump announced that Chinese President Xi Jinping has assured him that China will take no military action against Taiwan during his presidency. This revelation came during a recently aired interview on October 30, 2023, on CBS’s “60 Minutes.”
In a statement made from his Mar-a-Lago resort in West Palm Beach, Florida, Trump emphasized that the contentious issue of Taiwan did not arise during their discussions on October 26 in South Korea, which centered on trade tensions between the U.S. and China. However, he expressed confidence that Beijing understands the consequences of any military action while he is in office.
“He has openly said, and his people have openly said at meetings, ‘We would never do anything while President Trump is president,’” Trump stated. This declaration comes amid ongoing concerns among U.S. officials regarding the potential for China to use military force against Taiwan, a self-ruled island claimed by Beijing.
The 1979 Taiwan Relations Act governs the U.S. relationship with Taiwan, stating that the U.S. does not have to intervene militarily if China invades. Nonetheless, it remains U.S. policy to provide Taiwan with the resources necessary for self-defense and to prevent any unilateral changes to its status by China.
When pressed on whether he would order U.S. forces to defend Taiwan in the event of an attack by China, Trump refrained from giving a definitive answer. “You’ll find out if it happens, and he understands the answer to that,” he remarked regarding Xi’s awareness of U.S. military capabilities.
The White House has not yet clarified the timeline or specifics regarding when Xi or Chinese officials communicated their stance on military action toward Taiwan. This uncertainty underscores the delicate balance of power and diplomacy in the region.
This interview marks Trump’s first appearance on “60 Minutes” following a legal settlement with CBS News earlier this summer over an interview featuring Kamala Harris. The remainder of the interview is set to air later today, potentially shedding more light on Trump’s foreign policy perspectives.
As the situation develops, observers are urged to monitor U.S.-China relations closely, particularly regarding Taiwan’s security situation. The implications of Trump’s statements could significantly influence international relations and military strategy in the Asia-Pacific region.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story unfolds.
