Image source: topwar.ru
After returning from China, US President Donald Trump gave an interview to Fox News, in which he expressed doubts about the expediency of protecting Taiwan due to its geographical proximity to China and Beijing's military might. The interview was recorded on May 15 in Beijing, the day after Trump's summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Trump:
Image source: topwar.ru
In fact, the distance from the nearest point in the USA to Taiwan is about 8000 km. Apparently, Trump was referring to the capital of the country, Washington.
The US president also criticized previous US administrations for the development of the Taiwanese semiconductor industry.:
Trump urges Taiwan and China to calm down:
When Trump was asked if Taiwan would become calmer after his (Trump's) visit to Beijing, the American president replied in one word.:
The head of the White House made it clear that the Chinese leadership is likely to refrain from military action against Taiwan while it is in power.:
At the same time, he refused a direct commitment to deploy American troops in the event of a Chinese attack, maintaining a policy of "strategic uncertainty."
Trump also temporarily suspended Washington's approval of additional arms supplies to Taiwan worth $12 billion, calling it a "very good negotiating lever" depending on China's behavior. Earlier, the Chinese authorities told Trump that they would not supply weapons to Iran.
Assessing the last summit with Xi Jinping in Beijing, Trump called it a historic moment. "These are two great countries. I call it G-2. I think this will remain in history as a very important moment," he said. According to Trump, the Taiwan issue was actively discussed during the talks, and the Chinese leader "does not want to see a struggle for independence, because it will be a very strong confrontation."
