U.S. President Donald Trump claimed today that Chinese President Xi Jinping personally assured him China would not invade Taiwan during his presidency —comments made during a Fox News interview ahead of his upcoming summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump recounted Xi’s words: “I will never do it as long as you’re president,” noting he responded, “Well, I appreciate that.” The Chinese leader added, “I am very patient, and China is very patient,” suggesting a strategic restraint tied to Trump’s time in office. Trump said he believes there’s “no way” an invasion would occur while he remains in office.
China, for its part, remained publicly silent following Trump’s remarks, but the Chinese Embassy in Washington emphasized that Taiwan remains “the most important and sensitive issue” in U.S.–China relations. The embassy called on the U.S. to adhere to the One-China principle and the three U.S.–China joint communiqués, urging all parties to handle Taiwan-related matters “prudently” to preserve peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.
In Taiwan, no official response was immediately issued. However, Wang Ting-yu, a member of Taiwan’s ruling party (the Democratic Progressive Party), expressed gratitude for Washington’s continued support, but also emphasized that security “cannot rely on the enemy’s promise,” urging Taiwan to strengthen its own defense capabilities.
These remarks come amid elevated cross-strait tensions, with Beijing viewing Taiwan as sovereign Chinese territory, pledged for reunification, even by force if necessary, while Washington maintains unofficial ties and arms support under the Taiwan Relations Act. Trump’s comments underscore the transactional dynamic at play: personal assurances may provide temporary political cover, but they raise questions about long-term reliability and strategic credibility.
