TAIPEI (TVBS News) — U.S. President Donald Trump dismissed China invasion threats against Taiwan Tuesday (Oct. 21), stating Beijing has no such intentions during White House talks with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Trump plans to visit China in early 2026 and seeks a "fair" trade agreement with Chinese President Xi Jinping (習近平) at the APEC summit in South Korea later this month.
Trump expressed skepticism about the U.S. Department of Defense's assessment that China would be ready to attack Taiwan by 2027. He stated, "I think we'll be just fine with China. China doesn't want to do that." Trump's strategy on the sensitive Taiwan issue involves non-committal responses, avoiding controversies by not directly answering questions about U.S. support for Taiwan.
Trump addressed the AUKUS submarine partnership as a China deterrent in the Indo-Pacific but stated he does not foresee its use. He previously threatened 100% tariffs on China over rare earth export controls but remains optimistic about achieving favorable trade deals. Trump remarked, "Now that doesn't mean it's not the apple of his eye, because probably it is, but I don't see anything happening" regarding China's Taiwan intentions.
Trump prepares for his upcoming meeting with Xi, focusing on securing trade agreements while emphasizing the U.S. as the world's strongest military power. Observers will closely watch developments from the APEC summit and Trump's eventual China visit, which could reshape future U.S.-China relations. ◼
