Trump Says Taiwan’s Future Lies with Xi, Warns Against Military Action

President Donald Trump has said Taiwan’s future rests with Xi Jinping, while warning China against military action. He stressed that Washington would be “very unhappy” if Beijing moved against Taiwan, though he doubted Xi would act during his presidency. Trump rejected comparisons with Venezuela and Ukraine, insisting the situations differ. China maintains Taiwan is part of its territory, while Taiwan rejects the claim. The US, despite lacking formal diplomatic ties, remains Taiwan’s key backer and is legally required to support its defense, keeping the issue central to US–China tensions.

Jan 9, 2026 0 4

Trump Says Taiwan’s Future Lies with Xi, Warns Against Military Action

US President Donald Trump has stated that the fate of Taiwan ultimately depends on Chinese President Xi Jinping, while cautioning that Beijing is aware Washington would strongly oppose any military aggression against the island.

In an interview with the New York Times, Trump noted that Xi considers Taiwan part of China but reiterated his stance: “He considers it to be a part of China, and that’s up to him what he’s going to be doing. But I’ve expressed to him that I would be very unhappy if he did that, and I don’t think he’ll do that. I hope he doesn’t do that.”

His comments come amid debate over whether US actions in places like Venezuela could embolden China regarding Taiwan or Russia over Ukraine. Trump rejected such comparisons, arguing Venezuela posed a direct threat to the US through migration and drug trafficking, unlike China’s situation.

When asked if Xi might pressure or blockade Taiwan, Trump said he did not believe China would act while he remained president: “He may do it after we have a different president, but I don’t think he’s going to do it with me as president.”

Trump dismissed suggestions that acknowledging Xi’s view meant acceptance of Chinese action, stressing he had already conveyed US opposition. Meanwhile, a US strategy document last year outlined plans to prevent conflict with China over Taiwan and the South China Sea by strengthening military power with allies.

China continues to claim Taiwan as its territory and has not ruled out using force, while Taiwan firmly rejects Beijing’s assertions. A spokesperson for China’s embassy in Washington reiterated: “The Taiwan question is purely China’s internal affair, and how to resolve it is a matter purely within China’s sovereign rights.”

Although the US has no formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan, it remains the island’s most important international supporter and is legally obligated to provide defensive means, a longstanding source of tension in US–China relations.