Trump discussed Xi Jinping's pledge to avoid a military conquest of Taiwan
In a series of events that have left geopolitical observers pondering, President Donald Trump claimed during his term that Chinese President Xi Jinping assured him China would not invade Taiwan while Trump was in office. However, no credible evidence or confirmed report has surfaced to support this assertion, as Trump's second term did not materialize, and official discussions in that context are not documented.
The Taiwanese government has yet to comment on Trump's remarks, but a high-ranking legislator from the ruling Democratic Progressive Party expressed gratitude for support from "our main ally." The U.S., it should be noted, is the main supplier of arms to Taiwan, but does not have official diplomatic relations with the island.
Trump's comments were made during an interview with Fox News on Friday, ahead of talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding the conflict in Ukraine. The Chinese embassy in Washington did not comment on Trump's statement regarding Taiwan.
The topic of Taiwan is considered the most important and sensitive issue in China-U.S. relations. China views Taiwan as its own territory and has vowed to "reunite" with the island, by force if necessary. Taiwan firmly opposes China's sovereignty claims, as noted by Reuters.
In April, Trump mentioned that Xi Jinping had spoken with him, but did not specify when the call took place. Trump and Xi Jinping held their first official phone call during Trump's second term in June, but no further details were provided about the content of their conversation.
Recent geopolitical dynamics instead highlight tensions around Taiwan involving the U.S., China, and allies, without evidence of changed or assured Chinese commitments to Taiwan’s status during the purported time frame. It is crucial to maintain a clear understanding of the ongoing situation and the lack of concrete assurances regarding China's position on Taiwan.
Politics surrounding war-and-conflicts, particularly the delicate issue of China's stance towards Taiwan, have been a general news focus in recent times. The Taiwanese government, while silent on former President Trump's claims, has acknowledged support from its main ally, the U.S., which supplies arms to the island, despite not having official diplomatic relations with it.
