President Donald Trump says Taiwan "never even came up" when he spoke with Chinese President Xi Jinping during his trip to Asia last week. When Norah O'Donnell asks about his plan if China invades Taiwan, the president tells 60 Minutes: "I can't give away my secrets."

Washington

Former President Donald Trump was questioned about whether he would order U.S. forces to defend Taiwan in the event of Chinese military action. Trump declined to provide a direct answer, emphasizing that he does not want to reveal his strategic intentions publicly. He asserted that Chinese President Xi Jinping and his administration understand his position and the consequences of any potential action against Taiwan.

Trump further noted that the topic was not raised in recent discussions, suggesting that the Chinese side is aware of the U.S. stance during his presidency. He reiterated that he prefers not to disclose specific plans or responses to hypothetical scenarios.

Trump on defending Taiwan: 'I can't give away my secrets'

One potential flashpoint with China, probably the potential flashpoint with China in the coming years, is over the issue of Taiwan. The Chinese military is encroaching on Taiwan's sea lanes, its airspace, its cyberspace. I know you have said that Xi Jinping wouldn't dare move militarily on Taiwan while you're in office. But what if he does? Would you order U.S. forces to defend Taiwan? You'll find out if it happens. And he understands the answer to that. Why not say it? This never even came up yesterday as a subject. He never brought it up. People were a little surprised that he never brought it up, because he understands it. And he understands it very well. Do you mind if I ask, when you say he understands, why not communicate that publicly to the rest of us? Because I don't want to give away—I can't give away my secrets. I don't want to be one of these guys that tells you exactly what's going to happen if something happens. The other side knows, but I'm not somebody that tells you everything because you're asking me a question. But they understand what's going to happen. And he has openly said, and his people have openly said at meetings, we would never do anything while President Trump is president, because they know the consequences.

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