Donald Trump says Xi Jinping knows what the “consequences” of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan would be
Donald Trump and Xi Jinping. PHOTO: Susan Walsh / AP / Profimedia
US President Donald Trump said his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping knows the “consequences” of possible Chinese military action against Taiwan, but avoided saying what he plans if China invades the island. “I can't reveal my secrets,” he said in the interview broadcast by CBS News on Sunday.
The US leader was asked during the interview whether he would order US forces to defend Taiwan in the event of a Chinese military operation against the island, something Donald Trump says Xi Jinping would not do while he is in the White House.
Trump said the topic was not discussed during their meeting last week.
“I never brought it up. People were a little surprised by it,” the US leader said. “But they understand what's going to happen. He has said openly and his people have said openly in meetings, 'We would never do anything while President Trump is president,' because they know the consequences,” Donald Trump added.
Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, the first meeting after six years
The presidents of the United States and China met in South Korea on Thursday, raising hopes for a de-escalation of tensions between the world's two main economies, the BBC writes.
Trump, who had not met Xi Jinping for six years, said the talks were “wonderful”. On the other hand, Beijing said the leaders reached a consensus to resolve “major trade issues”.
Bilateral relations have been strained after Donald Trump began imposing new tariffs against China, prompting retaliation from Beijing. The parties reached an agreement in May, but tensions remained high.
Thursday's talks did not lead to a formal agreement, but announcements made after the event suggest the US and China are closer to a deal – the details of which have long been subject to behind-the-scenes negotiations.
Trade deals normally take years to negotiate, but countries around the world have been forced to reach a deal with Trump within months amid steep tariffs the US president has imposed on some of the US's main trading partners.
