Xi warns Trump Taiwan could push US-China ties into ‘very dangerous situation’ if mishandled
BEIJING, CHINA: Chinese President Xi Jinping issued a stark warning to President Donald Trump over Taiwan during their closely watched summit in Beijing, calling the island the “most important issue” in US-China relations and cautioning that mishandling it could push the two superpowers toward conflict.
The warning came during closed-door talks between the two leaders at the Great Hall of the People, where Taiwan quickly emerged as one of the most sensitive flashpoints hanging over the summit.
Xi warns Taiwan could trigger US-China conflict
According to Chinese state media outlet Xinhua, Xi directly told Trump that Taiwan remains the central issue defining relations between Beijing and Washington.
Xi emphasized that “the Taiwan question is the most important issue in China-US relations.” “If it is handled properly, relations between the two countries can maintain overall stability.”
Xi also delivered one of Beijing’s strongest public warnings yet regarding the risks surrounding Taiwan.
China’s ruling Communist Party has long vowed to eventually “reunify” with Taiwan, despite never having controlled the democratic island. Beijing has repeatedly refused to rule out using military force to achieve that goal.
“If it is not handled properly, the two countries may clash or even come into conflict, pushing the entire China-US relationship into a very dangerous situation,” Xi said, according to Xinhua.
Trump, Xi stay cordial despite Taiwan tensions
Despite the sharp warning over Taiwan, the overall atmosphere between Trump and Xi appeared notably cordial throughout the summit.
Taiwanese officials quickly responded to Xi’s remarks, accusing Beijing itself of creating instability in the Indo-Pacific region.
“China’s military threat is the sole source of insecurity in the Taiwan Strait and the broader Indo-Pacific region,” Taiwan Cabinet spokesperson Michelle Lee said in response to a reporter’s question.
“Continuous enhancement of defense and effective joint deterrence are the most critical factors in ensuring regional security.”
“Taiwan independence and cross-strait peace are as irreconcilable as fire and water,” Xi reportedly said.
“Safeguarding peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait is the biggest common denominator between China and the US.”
Chinese leader Xi Jinping told Trump that their countries should be “partners rather than opponents,” while the US president called Xi a “great leader” as the two began talks.
President Trump and Chinese leader Xi also discussed the “Middle East situation” during their high-stakes talks in Beijing, according to Chinese state media reports.
The leaders “exchanged views on major international and regional issues, including the Middle East situation,” state news agency Xinhua said. Trump and Xi also spoke about the war in Ukraine, the agency added.
