Trump won't say if US would defend Taiwan in war with China

President Donald Trump said Friday he will make a decision within the next few days on whether to lift sanctions on Chinese oil companies that purchase Iranian oil, following discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping during a two-day summit in Beijing. The United States previously imposed sanctions on several Chinese oil refiners, including Hengli Petrochemical, one of China's largest private refiners, as part of a maximum pressure campaign aimed at cutting off revenue streams to Tehran. Trump indicated he discussed the possibility of China purchasing more American energy during the summit, though Chinese statements made no mention of specific deals being reached. Trump also addressed the situation with Iran during his return flight aboard Air Force One, stating his patience with Tehran was running out and that he and Xi had agreed Iran could not be allowed to possess nuclear weapons. The President said he would be amenable to Iran suspending its nuclear program for 20 years, but emphasized any agreement must include "real" guarantees and commitments from Tehran. Additionally, Trump indicated the two leaders discussed the importance of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open to navigation, a critical shipping route that Iran has threatened to disrupt amid escalating tensions. Separately, Trump revealed he and Xi engaged in extensive talks regarding U.S. arms sales to Taiwan, a persistent source of friction in bilateral relations. When Xi directly asked whether the United States would defend Taiwan in the event of a Chinese military attack, Trump declined to answer, stating he is the only person who knows that answer. China considers Taiwan its own territory and opposes American weapons sales to the island, which Washington views as interference in Chinese internal affairs. Despite lacking formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan, the United States remains the island's most important international backer and largest arms supplier.