Washington DC (US), May 15, 2026, BNN Web Staff: US President Donald Trump said on Friday that avoiding military conflict remains a priority amid rising tensions surrounding Taiwan, while revealing details of recent discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump said Xi had strongly opposed any push for Taiwanese independence, warning that such a move could trigger a serious confrontation between China and Taiwan.
According to Trump, the two leaders held extensive discussions on Taiwan, Iran and trade relations during their recent interactions. He described Xi as “an incredible guy” and said the Chinese leader clearly expressed his concerns over Taiwan’s political direction.
Trump noted that Xi does not want to see what he called a “fight for independence” in Taiwan because of the potential for a major regional conflict. While Trump said he listened carefully to Xi’s position, he added that he did not directly comment on the matter during the discussion.
The US President was also questioned about the long-standing US policy on arms sales to Taiwan and the assurances made by former President Ronald Reagan in 1982 regarding consultations with China.
Responding to the question, Trump said circumstances have changed significantly since 1982 and confirmed that arms sales and Taiwan security issues were discussed in detail with Xi. However, he stopped short of revealing what decision Washington may take in the future.
“The last thing we need right now is a war that’s 9,500 miles away,” Trump said, adding that the United States is currently focused on maintaining stability while strengthening economic progress.
Trump also declined to clarify whether the US would militarily defend Taiwan in the event of a Chinese attack. He said Xi directly asked him whether American troops would be deployed to protect Taiwan, but he refused to disclose any potential military strategy.
Apart from Taiwan, Trump said the two leaders also discussed Iran and global energy security, particularly the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical oil shipping routes. Trump expressed confidence that China could pressure Iran to keep the strait open, noting that China depends heavily on energy supplies passing through the region.
The remarks come amid continuing geopolitical tensions between the United States and China over Taiwan, trade, military influence and regional security in the Indo-Pacific.
Meanwhile, the Chinese Embassy in the United States stated that both nations are working toward building a more stable and constructive bilateral relationship focused on strategic balance and cooperation.
