WASHINGTON, Aug 16 — In a moment that touches both on global tension and personal diplomacy, former U.S. President Donald Trump has shared that Chinese President Xi Jinping gave him a direct assurance: China wouldn’t invade Taiwan as long as Trump is in office.
Speaking candidly in an interview with Fox News’ Special Report, Trump drew a parallel between the ongoing Ukraine crisis and the long-standing tension between China and Taiwan. But, he said, things are different with Xi.
“I’ll tell you — you have a very similar situation with President Xi of China and Taiwan,” Trump said, referring to Russia’s aggression in Ukraine. “But I don’t believe there’s any way it’s going to happen as long as I’m here. We’ll see.”
Trump went on to recall a conversation with Xi, where the Chinese leader reportedly told him, “I will never do it as long as you’re president.” Trump said he appreciated the reassurance, but Xi added a revealing caveat: “I am very patient, and China is very patient.”
That one sentence speaks volumes about China’s long-term strategic thinking, and also about the delicate balance of diplomacy that leaders must navigate in a world full of power plays and quiet threats.
The Chinese Embassy in Washington has yet to comment on Trump’s remarks.
Trump and Xi had their first confirmed phone call during Trump’s second presidential campaign in June. Trump had also mentioned another call in April, though he didn’t provide the specific date.
At the core of the issue lies Taiwan — a self-governed, democratic island that China claims as its own. While Beijing insists on eventual reunification, by force if necessary, Taiwan continues to push back against these claims.
Though the United States is Taiwan’s biggest international supporter and defense supplier, it maintains a policy of strategic ambiguity — no formal diplomatic ties, yet a clear stance on supporting Taiwan’s security.
The statements from Trump underscore how personal relationships between world leaders can shape — or at least delay — major geopolitical decisions.
