Trump confident: Xi Jinping is aware of the consequences of China's invasion of Taiwan

US President Donald Trump said on Sunday in an interview with CBS that Chinese leader Xi Jinping is aware of the consequences of a potential Chinese invasion of Taiwan. However, the American politician did not clearly declare that in the event of an invasion, the US would defend the island.

– I cannot reveal my secrets – Trump replied to the journalist's question about possible intervention.

The United States has no formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan, but is legally obligated to provide it with defense assets.

China considers Taiwan its territory and has stepped up military pressure in recent years, proposing a “one country, two systems” model that the authorities in Taipei reject. At the same time, China has not ruled out using force to take control of the island.

The US president and the Chinese leader met on Thursday in Busan, South Korea. Before this meeting, Chinese media suggested that China's demand for the US to change its position on Taiwan's independence would be discussed. China wants the US to officially oppose this idea, not just “not support it.”

Meanwhile, Trump said the topic of Taiwan did not come up during the conversation. He assured that as long as he holds the position of US president, China will not attack Taiwan because “Xi's people know the consequences” of such a step. (PAP)

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