Trump Quotes Chinese President on Timing of Taiwan Invasion

TEHRAN (Defapress) - The US president said in an interview with Fox News that the Chinese president had assured him that the country would not invade Taiwan during Trump's presidency.

"There is a similar issue between China and Taiwan, like Russia and Ukraine, but it will not happen as long as I am here. President Xi Jinping told me that as long as you are president, I will never invade Taiwan," Trump said.

"I said in response that I appreciate that. The Chinese president then said that China is very patient."

The Chinese and US presidents held their first official phone call of Trump's second term in June. Trump also said in April that Xi had called him.

China considers Taiwan part of its territory and is determined to annex the democratic and self-governing island of Taiwan by military action if necessary. Taiwan strongly opposes China’s territorial claims.

The Chinese embassy in Washington recently described the Taiwan issue as “the most important and sensitive issue” in China-US relations.

“The US government should adhere to the one-China principle and the joint statements of the two countries and exercise caution on Taiwan-related issues. The US should resolutely safeguard China-US relations and peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait,” Chinese embassy spokesman Liu Pengyu said in a statement.

Washington is Taiwan’s main arms supplier and backer, but like most countries, it does not have formal diplomatic relations with Taipei.

The Taiwanese government has yet to respond to Trump’s remarks. On Saturday, a senior lawmaker from Taiwan’s ruling party said the country was grateful for the support of its “major ally.”

"However, national security should not be tied to the promise of the enemy or the complacency of allies' support. Strengthening Taiwan's defense capability should be the top priority," wrote Wang Ting-yu, who sits on Taiwan's parliament's defense and foreign affairs committee, on Facebook.