U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday that Chinese President Xi Jinping has assured him China will not invade Taiwan while he remains in office, a statement that comes amid heightened global focus on security flashpoints in Asia and Europe.

Speaking in an interview with Fox News ahead of his summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Trump said Xi personally gave him the pledge. “He told me, ‘I will never do it as long as you’re president.’ President Xi told me that, and I said, ‘Well, I appreciate that,’” Trump said on Fox’s Special Report. He added that Xi emphasized China’s long-term approach, saying: “‘But I am very patient, and China is very patient.’”

Trump and Xi held their first confirmed call of Trump’s second presidential term in June. Trump has also said Xi reached out to him in April, though he did not specify the timing of that conversation.

China considers Taiwan part of its territory and has vowed to “reunify” with the self-governed island, by force if necessary. Taiwan rejects Beijing’s sovereignty claims and insists on its right to self-determination.

In response to Trump’s remarks, the Chinese Embassy in Washington reiterated that Taiwan remains “the most important and sensitive issue” in U.S.-China relations.

Embassy spokesperson Liu Pengyu urged Washington to adhere to the one-China principle and past bilateral agreements, warning the U.S. to “handle Taiwan-related issues prudently” to maintain peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.

While Washington is Taiwan’s main arms supplier and strongest international backer, it does not maintain formal diplomatic ties with the island, in line with its recognition of Beijing.

Trump’s comments highlight how Taiwan remains a central test of U.S.-China relations even as Washington grapples with Russia’s war in Ukraine.