President Donald Trump revealed this week that Chinese President Xi Jinping made a personal promise not to invade Taiwan while Trump remains in office. This assurance, disclosed during an interview ahead of Trump’s summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin, carries major weight for American national security and global peace.
Taiwan is a small island off the coast of China, home to 23 million people. It operates as a democracy and has its own government, but the Chinese Communist Party still claims Taiwan as part of its territory. China’s leader, Xi Jinping, has made it clear he wants to reunite Taiwan with the mainland—by peaceful means if possible, but by force if necessary. American military and intelligence officials have warned that China could try to take Taiwan by 2027, possibly sooner.
A war over Taiwan would be catastrophic. The United States has long supported Taiwan with weapons, military training, and diplomatic backing. If China invaded, the U.S. might have to defend Taiwan directly. That could mean war between the world’s two largest economies—and two nuclear powers. It would not just disrupt the Indo-Pacific region, but also shake the global economy and threaten American lives.
President Trump’s statement that Xi promised not to invade Taiwan while Trump is in office is more than a personal anecdote. It suggests that strong leadership in Washington, combined with clear red lines, can deter China’s aggressive ambitions. Trump’s foreign policy has always emphasized peace through strength. His administration made it clear to China that any attack on Taiwan would have severe consequences.
Trump also reminded the public that, under his leadership, Russia did not invade Ukraine. That war began in early 2022, after President Joe Biden took office. Even Russian President Putin admitted recently that he believes the war would not have happened if Trump had been in power. This isn’t just political talk—it reflects a global understanding that strong and unpredictable American leadership keeps adversaries in check.
It’s important to remember that Taiwan is not just a small island far away. It is a key player in the global economy. Taiwan produces over 60% of the world’s semiconductors—tiny chips that power everything from smartphones to fighter jets. If China took control of Taiwan’s high-tech sector, the U.S. and its allies would suddenly become dependent on a hostile power for critical technology. That would be a direct threat to our national security, economic independence, and military readiness.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has warned that the threat from China is “real” and “imminent.” He said any attempt by China to take Taiwan by force would bring “devastating consequences” for the region and the world. This is not a distant problem. The U.S. military is already increasing its presence in the Indo-Pacific, conducting joint drills with allies like Japan and Australia, and preparing for the possibility of conflict.
President Trump’s ability to keep both Russia and China in check is a reminder of the importance of strong, clear leadership on the world stage. When America is seen as weak or distracted, our enemies see opportunity. But when America is focused and firm, peace becomes possible.
For now, Xi’s promise to Trump signals a pause in China’s aggression toward Taiwan. But as Trump himself noted, Xi also said, “I am very patient, and China is very patient.” That means this issue is far from over. The Chinese Communist Party is thinking long-term. America must do the same.
The safety of Taiwan, the stability of Asia, and the strength of American freedom are all linked. What happens in the Taiwan Strait could shape the future of the 21st century. The best way to avoid war is to be ready for it—and to have a president who keeps our enemies guessing and our allies confident. That’s what national security looks like.