Trump Says Xi Assured Him China Will Not Invade Taiwan During His Presidency via ZeroHedge

 via ZH

Trump made the remarks during a nearly 30-minute-long interview with Fox News’ Brett Baier which was filmed on Air Force One and aired while the president was in Alaska meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

“I will never do it as long as you’re president; President Xi told me that, and I said, well, I appreciate that,” Trump said.

The guarantee does not extend to future administrations, the president noted.

“But he also said, but I am very patient, and China is very patient,” Trump said. “Say, well, that’s up to you, but it better not happen now.”

It remains unclear when Xi made the remarks.

The White House did not respond to requests for comment before publication.

Taiwan, a self-governing democratic island territory, is viewed by Beijing as a breakaway province. Its freedom remains a volatile point of contention in U.S.-China relations. 

The United States guarantees defensive arms to Taipei under the Taiwan Relations Act.  

Xi has vowed to achieve “reunification” with the island by any means necessary, and he’s ramped up military exercises in the waters around the island. 

Optimism that the president’s foreign policy agenda will deter China’s aggression is a recurring theme in the administration’s first 200 days.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told CNBC host Andrew Ross Sorkin in March that China will stay out of Taiwan.

“I follow President Trump’s lead, and he is confident that President Xi will not make that move during his presidency,” Bessent said.

Here 

Not really shocked by this.  I personally believe China is seeking PERFECT victory. I believe that they're seeking to become so powerful militarily that making any move to defend Taiwan will be out of the question.

They want to take over Taiwan without having to fire a shot (at the US and allied countries).

A few more years of US/Western decline and they'll be setup perfectly.

Its not within the next couple of years but it will be before 2030.  Paraphrasing Xi?China can act on their own timeline.  Our pivot to the Pacific ain't causing them any pause.  Besides.  Ukraine and Israel are bleeding us dry of warstock.