Trump Says Xi Assured Him China Would Not Invade Taiwan During His Presidency

The comments came ahead of Trump’s scheduled talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin over Moscow’s ongoing war in Ukraine, underscoring the tense geopolitical backdrop as Washington navigates both European and Asian security flashpoints.

Trump revealed that the exchange with Xi occurred during their first confirmed call of his second presidential term in June. He also mentioned that Xi had reached out earlier in April, though he did not specify when that conversation took place.

China considers Taiwan a breakaway province and has repeatedly vowed to achieve “reunification,” by force if necessary. Taiwan, however, firmly rejects Beijing’s sovereignty claims and continues to maintain its own democratic governance and military defenses.

In response to Trump’s remarks, the Chinese Embassy in Washington reiterated Beijing’s longstanding position on Taiwan. Spokesperson Liu Pengyu described the matter as “the most important and sensitive issue in China-U.S. relations” and urged Washington to proceed with caution.

“The U.S. government should adhere to the one-China principle and the three U.S.-China joint communiqués, handle Taiwan-related issues prudently, and earnestly safeguard China-U.S. relations and peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait,” Liu said in a statement.

Although the United States remains Taiwan’s chief arms supplier and strongest international supporter, it does not maintain formal diplomatic ties with Taipei. Washington’s official policy is to recognize Beijing as the sole legal government of China while opposing any unilateral changes to the status quo across the Taiwan Strait.

Trump’s latest comments reflect both the delicacy of U.S.-China relations and his administration’s efforts to assert deterrence in the Indo-Pacific. His claim of a personal assurance from Xi may provide temporary relief for concerns over imminent conflict, but it also highlights the uncertain long-term trajectory of cross-strait relations.

With tensions high in both Europe and Asia, Trump’s diplomacy is being closely watched by allies and rivals alike. Whether Xi’s pledge will hold beyond Trump’s tenure remains uncertain, but the issue of Taiwan continues to loom large over Washington-Beijing relations.