In a revelation that casts new light on high-stakes diplomatic brinkmanship, former US President Donald Trump has claimed he issued a stark ultimatum to Chinese leader Xi Jinping regarding Taiwan during his tenure in the Oval Office.
The Presidential Warning
Trump asserted that he delivered a blunt message to President Xi, stating unequivocally that any Chinese military action against Taiwan would render his administration "unable to do business" with Beijing. This extraordinary disclosure highlights the fragile balance of power that characterised US-China relations during Trump's presidency.
Global Power Plays
The former president's comments come amid growing concerns about escalating tensions between world powers. Trump specifically referenced China's strengthening alliance with Russia, noting that Vladimir Putin "wasn't a fan" of Beijing during his own administration, but that dynamics have dramatically shifted since his departure from office.
The Nuclear Question
In perhaps his most alarming assertion, Trump suggested that current geopolitical tensions could potentially escalate into nuclear conflict. "We're closer to World War Three than we've ever been," he warned, pointing to the complex web of alliances between China, Russia, and North Korea under Kim Jong-un's regime.
A Changed World Stage
Trump contrasted the current state of international affairs with his time in office, suggesting that his unique relationships with authoritarian leaders like Putin and Kim Jong-un created a more stable global environment. His comments imply that the current administration has failed to maintain these crucial diplomatic channels.
Regional Implications
The former president's disclosure raises serious questions about the future of Taiwan's security and the delicate balance of power in the Asia-Pacific region. Experts suggest that such candid discussions about Taiwan represent a significant departure from traditional diplomatic ambiguity surrounding the island's status.
This revelation comes at a particularly sensitive time, with global tensions running high amid ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, and increasing military cooperation between America's adversaries.
