Trump Claims Xi Jinping Assured Him of No Military Action Against Taiwan

Strategic Insights -

US President Donald Trump claims that Chinese President Xi Jinping has assured him that Beijing will not attempt to unify Taiwan with mainland China while he is in office. Trump made this statement on Sunday, following his meeting with Xi in South Korea on Thursday, which primarily focused on US-China trade tensions. When asked about the possibility of China moving militarily on Taiwan, Trump demurred, stating that Xi understands the answer but did not specify what he meant. Trump claimed that Xi and his associates have "openly said" that they would never take action against Taiwan during his presidency, citing the consequences of such a move.

Key Takeaways:

  • Trump claims that Xi Jinping assured him that Beijing will not attempt to unify Taiwan with mainland China during his presidency.
  • The meeting between Trump and Xi focused primarily on US-China trade tensions.
  • Trump demurred when asked about the possibility of China moving militarily on Taiwan, stating that Xi understands the answer.
  • Trump claimed that Xi and his associates have "openly said" that they would never take action against Taiwan during his presidency, citing the consequences of such a move.
  • The 1979 Taiwan Relations Act does not require the US to step in militarily if China invades Taiwan but makes it US policy to ensure Taiwan has the resources to defend itself.
  • The Taiwan question is considered a core interest of China's internal affairs.
  • Trump settled a lawsuit with CBS News this summer over a disputed interview with then-Vice-President Kamala Harris.

Statistics:

  • Trump has met with Xi Jinping at least once this year, in South Korea on Thursday.
  • The US has maintained a policy of "strategic ambiguity" on Taiwan since the 1979 Taiwan Relations Act.
  • China has claimed Taiwan as part of its territory since 1949.
  • Taiwan has been self-ruled since 1949, with Joe Biden as the US president since 2021 maintaining a policy of commitment to Taiwan's security.

Sources:

  • https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/10/30/trump-xi-meeting-in-busan-key-takeaways-from-the-summit
  • https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/7/2/paramount-agrees-to-pay-16m-to-settle-trump-lawsuit-over-cbs-interview
  • https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/11/1/donald-trump-sues-cbs-over-misleading-interview-with-rival-kamala-harris
  • 1979 Taiwan Relations Act.