Trump Says Xi Knows the Consequences on Taiwan, Keeps U.S. Response Unstated

Overview

• In a CBS 60 Minutes interview, President Donald Trump said Xi Jinping "understands the consequences" if China attacks Taiwan.
• Pressed on whether he would send U.S. forces, Trump declined to answer, saying people would "find out" and that he "cannot reveal" his secrets.
• Trump asserted that Beijing would not move on Taiwan while he is in office because it knows the costs he would impose.
• He said Taiwan was not discussed during his private meeting with Xi in South Korea on Oct. 30.
• The comments follow a U.S. Senate measure to provide about $1 billion in military aid to Taiwan that drew formal protests from Beijing and come as Chinese military activity near the island has increased.