Xi warns Trump US-China ties could ‘come into conflict’ over Taiwan during Beijing Summit
Chinese President Xi Jinping warned US President Donald Trump that relations between the world’s two largest economies could “come into conflict” if the Taiwan issue is mishandled, during high-stakes talks in Beijing focused on trade, regional security and the Iran conflict.
Speaking during the bilateral summit, Xi described Taiwan as the “most important issue in China-US relations” and cautioned that any mismanagement could push ties into a “highly perilous situation,” according to Chinese state media.
“The Taiwan question is the most important issue in China-US relations,” Xi said, while reiterating Beijing’s position that Taiwan’s independence is incompatible with peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.
Trump, who began his China visit with praise for Xi, called the Chinese leader a “great leader” and a “friend,” while expressing hope for a “fantastic future together” between the two countries. Xi, however, adopted a more measured tone, stating that China and the United States “should be partners and not rivals.”
The summit comes amid heightened tensions over Taiwan, a self-governing democracy claimed by China as part of its territory. Beijing has intensified military drills around the island in recent years, while the United States has continued security cooperation and weapons support for Taiwan.
The Trump administration last year approved an $11 billion arms package for Taiwan, though questions remain over how aggressively Washington will continue backing Taipei amid broader efforts to stabilise ties with Beijing.
Taiwan’s strategic importance has also grown because of its dominance in semiconductor manufacturing, with global technology and artificial intelligence industries heavily dependent on Taiwanese chip production.
Trump’s Beijing visit marks the first state visit to China by a US president in nearly a decade. Discussions are expected to focus on trade agreements, energy security, geopolitical tensions and efforts to improve economic cooperation between the two nations.
The White House has hinted at possible announcements related to Chinese purchases of US agricultural products and aircraft, while both sides are also exploring mechanisms to reduce commercial tensions.
