WASHINGTON — Former U.S. President Donald Trump issued a stern warning to Chinese President Xi Jinping, declaring that Beijing “fully understands the consequences” of any attempt to invade Taiwan, as tensions continue to escalate across the Indo-Pacific region.
Speaking during a televised address on Sunday, Trump said the United States would not “stand idly by” if China launched a military operation against the self-governed island, which Beijing considers part of its territory. “President Xi knows very well what would happen if China moved on Taiwan,” Trump said. “The consequences would be swift, devastating, and far beyond what they expect.”
The former president, who has made confronting China a cornerstone of his foreign policy rhetoric, accused Beijing of “expansionist ambitions” and “reckless military provocations” in the Taiwan Strait. He warned that any assault on Taiwan would trigger an “unprecedented response” from Washington and its allies.
“China’s aggression is a threat not only to Taiwan but to global stability and freedom,” Trump added. “The United States will ensure that the Indo-Pacific remains free and open. If China chooses conflict, it will pay a very, very heavy price.”
Analysts interpret Trump’s remarks as a continuation of his hardline stance on China, which began during his first term when he initiated a trade war, imposed sanctions on Chinese tech firms, and strengthened ties with Taiwan. His latest comments come amid reports of increased Chinese fighter jet incursions into Taiwan’s air defence zone and expanded naval activity near the South China Sea.
U.S. intelligence officials have warned that Beijing is accelerating its military preparedness, aiming to achieve the capability to forcibly unify Taiwan by the early 2030s. Trump, however, suggested that such ambitions would be met with overwhelming deterrence. “If Xi thinks the world will look away while he attacks Taiwan, he’s making the biggest mistake of his life,” Trump said. “America’s allies in Japan, Australia, and the Philippines will not stand down — and neither will we.”
China’s Foreign Ministry swiftly condemned Trump’s remarks, accusing him of “reckless interference” in China’s internal affairs and “deliberate provocation.” A spokesperson reiterated Beijing’s claim that Taiwan remains an inseparable part of China’s sovereign territory and warned the U.S. against “playing with fire.”
Meanwhile, Taiwan’s government welcomed Trump’s statement, saying it demonstrated America’s continued commitment to peace and democracy in the region. “We appreciate any expression of support that strengthens deterrence against authoritarian aggression,” a spokesperson for Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.
Defence analysts cautioned that Trump’s rhetoric, while intended to project strength, could further inflame U.S.–China relations, already strained by disputes over trade, technology, and the South China Sea. Still, Trump appeared undeterred. “Peace through strength has always worked,” he told reporters. “China respects power — and under my leadership, they will think twice before doing something very stupid.”
With both nations engaged in a high-stakes geopolitical rivalry, Trump’s warning adds to a growing chorus of Western concern that the balance of power in East Asia is inching closer to open confrontation.