Trump Downplays China’s Taiwan Drills, Citing ‘Great Relationship’ With Xi

US. President Donald Trump said he is not concerned about China’s large-scale live-fire military drills around Taiwan, stressing that he has a “great relationship” with Chinese President Xi Jinping and that Xi “hasn’t told me anything about it.”

Trump’s comments came as China’s People’s Liberation Army conducted a two-day surprise exercise, firing missiles and deploying dozens of aircraft and ships near Taiwan. Taiwan’s defense ministry said some missiles and vessels came closer to the island than in previous drills.

China said the exercises were aimed at simulating a blockade and deterring foreign interference. Taiwan strongly condemned the drills, calling them irresponsible and a threat to regional stability.

Beijing claims Taiwan as its territory, while the United States remains Taiwan’s key supporter amid rising cross-strait tensions.