Donald Trump has cast doubt over whether as U.S. president he would defend Taiwan if China were to invade the self-governed island Beijing views as a breakaway province.

"Taiwan is 9,500 miles away," Trump told Bloomberg, "it's 68 miles away from China."

The U.S. does not recognize Taiwan as an independent state, but is opposed to any attempt by Beijing to take the island by force.

Trump appeared to suggest that Taiwan should pay the U.S. for protection, telling the outlet, "I don't think we're any different from an insurance policy."
This is a developing story.

Former president Donald Trump (left) and the flag of Taiwan (right). In a new interview with Bloomberg Businessweek, Trump suggested he would not defend Taiwan from China if he was elected president again. Former president Donald Trump (left) and the flag of Taiwan (right). In a new interview with Bloomberg Businessweek, Trump suggested he would not defend Taiwan from China if he was elected president again. Getty

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