Donald Trump declined to say whether the United States would defend Taiwan if China attacked, after Chinese President Xi Jinping raised the question directly during their two-day summit in Beijing. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on the flight back to the US, Trump confirmed Xi had put the question to him — and that he gave no direct answer. 'That question was asked to me today by President Xi. I said, "I don't talk about that,"' Trumptoldreporters.
The exchange laid bare one of the most consequential fault lines in US-China relations and reignited debate over whether Washington's longstanding posture of strategic ambiguity is holding — or quietly eroding under Trump.
Xi called the Taiwan question 'the most important issue' between Beijing and Washington, warning that the broader relationship could be put in jeopardy if it was mishandled. 'If it is handled properly, the bilateral relationship will enjoy overall stability,' Xisaid. 'Otherwise, the two countries will have clashes and even conflicts, putting the entire relationship in great jeopardy.'
The warning came during a highly choreographed summit in Beijing, where the two leaders sought to project warmth even as they confronted some of the most contentious issues in the US-China relationship. Xi greeted Trump outside the Great Hall of the People before the two leaders reviewed an honour guard, as a 21-gun salute rang out across Tiananmen Square.
The silence from the White House on Taiwan drew an immediate and sharp response from Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer. 'Just hours in, and Xi Jinping has already threatened to, quote, collide or even clash, unquote, with the United States if we continue our support for Taiwan. Trump apparently didn't say anything in response. He was just mute,' Schumersaid. 'For the sake of democracy and the stability of the global economy. Trump must not sell out Taiwan.'
The criticism reflected broader anxiety in Washington and Taipei over whether Trump, known for his transactional approach to foreign policy, might use Taiwan as leverage in a wider deal with Beijing. Retired US Navy Rear AdmiralMark Montgomerysaid he worries that 'we have a transactional president and a transactional opportunity could arise, and then we would have a challenge.'
Secretary of State Marco Rubio moved quickly after the summit to reassure allies. 'US policy on the issue of Taiwan is unchanged as of today and as of the meeting that we had here today,' Rubiosaidin an interview with NBC News following the summit. He added that the US always makes clear that 'anything that would compel or force a change in what we have now would be problematic.'
Rubio also sought to minimise the Taiwan portion of the talks, saying US arms sales to Taiwan 'did not feature prominently' in Thursday's discussion. He separately warned that any Chinese attempt to take Taiwan by force 'would be a terrible mistake.'
Taiwan's government, while expressing concern, took some comfort in Washington's public assurances. Taiwan's government Cabinet spokespersonMichelle Leesaid Taipei is grateful for the firm US support of the island, adding that 'the US has also repeatedly reiterated its firm and clear position of support for Taiwan.'
Reporter: Would the US defend Taiwan if it came to it?Trump: I don't want to say that. I'm not going to say that.That question was asked to me today by President Xi. I said, “I don't talk about those.”Reporter: He asked you if you would send troops?Trump: He asked me if…pic.twitter.com/xYQND5jqKP
Source: International Business Times UK
