Former President Donald Trump stated Chinese President Xi Jinping understands the repercussions of military action against Taiwan. These remarks came just days after Trump and Xi announced a temporary trade truce. The two leaders met in Busan, South Korea, on October 30, 2025, on the sidelines of the APEC summit. Trump's comments about Taiwan aired on November 2, 2025, during an interview with CBS's "60 Minutes"^[1][2][3][4]. ### Trade Truce Details Emerge The meeting in Busan, South Korea, marked the first in-person conversation between Trump and Xi since 2019^[5]. It resulted in a tactical trade truce aimed at de-escalating tensions between the two economic superpowers^[6][5]. Under the agreement, the United States reduced tariffs on Chinese goods from 57% to 47%^[7][6][5]. This 10 percentage point cut aimed to improve economics for US importers and retailers^[6]. In return, China pledged to resume large-scale purchases of American soybeans, a key request from Trump's trade team responding to pressure from US agricultural lobbyists^[6][5]. Beijing also agreed to suspend restrictions on rare earth metal exports for one year^[6][5]. Rare earth minerals are vital for various US industries, from smartphones to submarines^[3]. The deal also included China taking new action to restrict fentanyl exports^[5]. ### Trump's Taiwan Stance During the "60 Minutes" interview, Trump indicated that Taiwan was not a topic of discussion in his recent meeting with Xi^[1][3][4]. He stated that the Chinese leader "never brought it up"^[1]. Despite this, Trump asserted that Chinese officials "understand what's gonna happen" if military action were taken against Taiwan^[1][2]. When pressed by interviewer Norah O'Donnell on whether he would order US forces to defend Taiwan, Trump declined to reveal his specific response plan^[1][2][4]. He cited a need to keep his "secrets"^[2][4]. Trump also claimed that Xi and other Chinese officials had assured him they "would never do anything while President Trump is president, because they know the consequences"^[1][3][4]. This statement aimed to provide reassurance to officials in Taipei regarding US support against Chinese aggression^[2]. ### China's Consistent Position Taiwan remains a constant flashpoint in US-China relations^[3]. China views Taiwan as its own territory and has consistently stated its goal of unifying Taiwan with the mainland, not ruling out the use of force^[8][4]. Liu Pengyu, a spokesman for the Chinese embassy in Washington, reiterated China's stance. He stated that the Taiwan question is an "internal affair" for China and that Beijing "will never allow any person or force to separate Taiwan from China in any way"^[4]. The United States has maintained a policy of "strategic ambiguity" regarding Taiwan for decades^[4]. This policy intentionally avoids explicitly stating whether the US would intervene militarily if China attacked the island. The 1979 Taiwan Relations Act guides US relations with Taiwan, ensuring the island has resources to defend itself but not explicitly requiring US military intervention^[4]. ### Broader Geopolitical Implications The temporary trade truce between the US and China is seen by analysts as a tactical pause rather than a fundamental shift in the broader strategic competition^[6]. Issues like Taiwan, artificial intelligence, defense, and supply chains remain areas of potential escalation^[6]. While the immediate economic conflict has been reduced, underlying geopolitical tensions persist^[6]. Commentators leading up to the Trump-Xi summit speculated that Taiwan would be on the agenda, with some fearing Xi might use trade issues to gain concessions on Taiwan^[8]. However, Trump's post-summit remarks, including "Taiwan is Taiwan," dispelled these fears, suggesting Xi did not have the leverage to bring it up directly^[8]. The current truce may, however, pave the way for future US-Taiwan discussions on tariffs, particularly concerning semiconductors^[7]. Taiwan's semiconductor industry is a crucial global asset, making its security a significant international concern^[7]. The agreements reached between Trump and Xi are temporary, with the trade truce valid for one year and no automatic renewal^[5]. This signals that further negotiations and potential shifts in relations are expected in the coming months and years.