TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — US President Donald Trump on Monday downplayed the possibility of China invading Taiwan and suggested that wording on the US stance on Taiwan independence could come up during trade talks with Beijing.
At a White House briefing, Trump was asked about Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s warning that a Chinese invasion could be “imminent” and whether AUKUS could serve as a deterrent, per CNA. Trump said that while the alliance can act as a deterrent, it will not be needed, adding, “I think we’ll be just fine with China. China doesn’t want to do that.”
He did not say whether he would authorize the use of force to defend Taiwan, but highlighted US military strength and downplayed the likelihood of Chinese leader Xi Jinping ordering an invasion. “I think we’re going to get along very well as it pertains to Taiwan and others. That doesn’t mean it’s not the apple of his eye because probably it is, but I don’t see anything happening,” said Trump.
Trump and Xi are scheduled to attend the APEC summit in South Korea later this month, where the two are expected to meet. He predicted that after the meeting, “I think we’ll end up with a very strong trade deal, both of us will be happy.”
A reporter asked Trump to comment on reports that China is pressuring him to change US wording over its stance on Taiwan independence from not supporting to “opposing” in exchange for a trade deal. Trump said that when he is meeting with Xi in South Korea, “I’m assuming that will be one of the things, but I’m not going to talk about that right now.”
Under its one-China policy, the US does not take a stance on the sovereignty of Taiwan. During the Biden administration, the US State Department fact sheet on Taiwan included the statement “we do not support Taiwan independence,” but in February this year it was removed by the Trump administration.
The Taiwan Relations Act obligates the US to provide weapons to Taiwan to “maintain a sufficient self-defense capability.” The Six Assurances issued by the Reagan administration include pledges not to end arms sales, not to revise the Taiwan Relations Act, and not to take a position on Taiwan’s sovereignty.
Trump also said he has been invited to visit China, adding that the trip would take place “sometime fairly early next year.”
