WASHINGTON, August 16 — Former US President Donald Trump revealed in an interview that Chinese President Xi Jinping gave him a personal assurance: as long as Trump was in office, China would not invade Taiwan.
Speaking with Fox News during a wide-ranging segment that also touched on the ongoing war in Ukraine, Trump emphasized the level of trust and understanding he claimed to have built with the Chinese leader.
“You know, we have a situation with China and Taiwan that’s very tense—but President Xi told me personally, ‘I will never do it as long as you’re president.’ And I said, ‘Well, I appreciate that,’” Trump said, referencing his conversation with Xi.
Trump noted that Xi followed his reassurance with a subtle warning:
“But I am very patient, and China is very patient.”
The statement hints at China’s long game on the Taiwan issue, even as Trump expressed confidence that no aggressive action would be taken under his leadership.
The Chinese Embassy in Washington did not respond to requests for comment on Trump’s remarks.
This isn’t the first mention of contact between the two leaders during Trump’s time in office. Their first official call of Trump’s second term reportedly took place in June, and Trump previously hinted at another conversation in April, though he provided no specific date.
Tensions between China and Taiwan remain high. Beijing considers Taiwan a breakaway province and has repeatedly declared its intent to reunify with the self-governed island—by force if necessary. Taiwan, on the other hand, rejects China’s claims and continues to bolster its defenses with support from allies like the United States.
While Washington does not maintain official diplomatic relations with Taipei, the U.S. remains Taiwan’s most important international partner, supplying arms and political support.
As the world watches the Taiwan Strait with growing unease, Trump’s comments add a layer of intrigue to the ongoing geopolitical chessboard—especially as the former president positions himself as a peacekeeper in past and potential future conflicts.
