Trump Confident: Xi Jinping Is Aware of the Consequences of China's Invasion of Taiwan

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

"I can't reveal my secrets," Trump replied when asked by a journalist about a possible intervention.

The United States does not maintain formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan, but is legally obligated to provide it with means to defend itself.

China considers Taiwan its territory and has intensified military pressure in recent years, proposing a "one country, two systems" model, which Taipei rejects. At the same time, China has not ruled out the use of force to seize control of the island.

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

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

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