WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – President Donald Trump stated that Chinese President Xi Jinping has assured him China will not take action regarding Taiwan during Trump’s term in office. The announcement was made without specifying when the assurances were given.

Trump made the comment while speaking to reporters. He indicated that Xi Jinping has acknowledged China’s long-stated goal of unifying Taiwan, but pledged to hold off on any actions to achieve that goal while Trump remains in power.

The relationship between China and Taiwan has been a complex and sensitive issue for decades. Taiwan, officially known as the Republic of China, considers itself an independent entity, while China, the People's Republic of China, views Taiwan as a breakaway province that will eventually be reunified with the mainland, by force if necessary. The United States maintains a policy of “strategic ambiguity” regarding Taiwan, neither confirming nor denying whether it would intervene militarily if China were to attack.

Previous administrations have navigated this delicate situation carefully, balancing the need to maintain relations with China with the commitment to supporting Taiwan's security. Trump’s assertion of Xi Jinping's assurance introduces a new element into this dynamic, although the lack of specific details about the exchange leaves room for interpretation and potential scrutiny.

The statement comes amid ongoing trade tensions between the United States and China, further complicating the geopolitical landscape. The implications of this assurance, and whether it represents a lasting shift in China's policy towards Taiwan, remain to be seen.