Trump Claims Assurance from Xi on Taiwan During Presidency

Mon Nov 03 2025 06:05:30 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a recent interview, former President Donald Trump stated that Chinese President Xi Jinping has assured him that China will refrain from taking any military action towards Taiwan while he serves in office, a claim that raises questions about US-China relations.

During an interview with CBS' '60 Minutes,' Donald Trump revealed that he received assurances from Chinese President Xi Jinping that there would be no moves against Taiwan while he is president. Though uncertain about U.S. military responses, Trump expressed confidence based on Xi's statements. This issue remains complex amidst ongoing U.S.-China tensions over Taiwan's status.

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – In a recent interview, Donald Trump stated that he has received assurances from Chinese President Xi Jinping that China will not take military action against Taiwan during his presidency. This assertion came during a segment of CBS' '60 Minutes.' Trump indicated that the focus of his discussions with Xi during their meeting in South Korea primarily revolved around U.S.-China trade relations, rather than the sensitive issue of Taiwan.

“He has openly said, and his people have openly said at meetings, 'We would never do anything while President Trump is president,'” Trump noted, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. The assurance adds another layer of complexity to the longstanding tensions surrounding Taiwan, which China regards as a breakaway province.

Despite Trump's optimistic stance, U.S. officials remain wary of the potential risks posed by China's ambitions concerning Taiwan. The Taiwan Relations Act of 1979 laid the groundwork for U.S. policy towards Taiwan, ensuring the island has adequate self-defense resources while not explicitly committing to military intervention in the event of a Chinese invasion.

When pressed about whether he would deploy U.S. forces to defend Taiwan should a conflict arise, Trump refrained from a definitive answer, echoing the long-held U.S. policy of “strategic ambiguity.” This approach aims to keep both Taiwan and China uncertain about the extent of U.S. military support in the event of a confrontation, maintaining a delicate balance in the region.

The situation remains precarious, with Liu Pengyu, spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in Washington, reiterating China's firm stance on preserving its claims over Taiwan, stating, “China will never allow any person or force to separate Taiwan from China in any way.”

The White House has not elaborated on the specifics of the assurances Trump claims to have received from Xi regarding Taiwan or when such communications were made. As discussions surrounding U.S.-China relations continue, the implications of Trump's statements reflect significant geopolitical dynamics at play.