President Donald Trump is keeping his cards close when it comes to China and Taiwan.
In a preview of his upcoming 60 Minutes interview, Trump refused to say whether the United States would defend Taiwan if China launched a military strike. Instead, he claimed President Xi Jinping already knows the answer.
“The other side knows… they understand what’s going to happen,” Trump told interviewer Norah O’Donnell. “He understands the answer to that.”
When asked why he would not state it publicly, Trump said, “I can’t give away my secrets. I don’t wanna be one of these guys that tells you exactly what’s going to happen.”
🚨 BREAKING: President Trump BODIES 60 Minutes after she begs for his secret military plans if China were to invade Taiwan
CBS: Why not say what you’ll do?!
TRUMP: “I can’t give away my secrets! I’m not somebody that tells YOU everything because you’re asking me a question!”… pic.twitter.com/R1MwGAOX5F
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) November 2, 2025
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The exchange came just days after Trump said that Taiwan “never came up” during his meeting with Xi in South Korea. He later added, “People are a little surprised that he never brought it up. He understands it very well.”
Those comments stirred uncertainty around Washington’s position on Taiwan. For decades, the United States has supported the island’s right to defend itself as part of efforts to discourage China from using force.
Trump often keeps his answers vague, saying it gives him “leverage” when dealing with foreign leaders. This time, it left both allies and analysts wondering if there is a “secret understanding” between him and Xi.
Neither side mentioned any such agreement after the meeting. But Trump sounded pleased, posting on Truth Social that he had a “great meeting” with Xi and that they “agreed on many things.”
“With others, even of high importance, being very close to resolved,” he added. In another post, he said the meeting would bring “everlasting peace and success.”
China’s message could not be more direct. Peng Qing’en, a spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office, said last week that Beijing “absolutely will not” rule out using military force to take control of the island.
“We are willing to create ample space for peaceful reunification and will spare no effort to pursue this prospect with the utmost sincerity,” Peng said. “However, we absolutely will not renounce the use of force and reserve the option to take all necessary measures.”
Beijing’s position has remained the same for years. It views Taiwan as part of China, while the United States keeps unofficial ties with the island and provides it with defensive weapons.
Featured image via X screengrab
