In an interview with American media on Friday evening, before his talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Trump explained that the Chinese President told him, ‘I will not do that as long as you are President,’ adding that ‘Xi also emphasized that China is very patient.’ Trump indicated that he does not expect action against Taiwan during his presidency, but he said, ‘We will see,’ according to his expression.
The Chinese embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the US President’s statements, while this was the first confirmed call between Trump and Xi since the start of his second term, following an earlier call whose timing was not mentioned.
Lai’s office stated that ‘there are no immediate plans for overseas travel due to hurricane relief efforts and trade talks with Washington,’ although sources indicated that ‘the decision came after the United States refused to allow him to stop in New York.’
The report published by the Financial Times stated that Lai Ching-te ‘intended to stop in Dallas, whether the United States had only prevented his visit to New York or barred his passage through the entire country.’ Beijing considers Taiwan part of Chinese territory and threatens to reclaim it by force if necessary, while the ruling Democratic Progressive Party on the island considers it an independent state.
It is noteworthy that China warned the United States against supporting Taiwan and encouraging it to adopt what China describes as ‘dangerous policies,’ after Washington announced it would help Taiwan if it came under Chinese attack.
