Chinese president Xi Jinping warned U.S. president Donald Trump that missteps on Taiwan could push the two nations into “conflict,” a stark opening as the leaders met in Beijing.
At the opening of talks, Xi stressed that “the Taiwan question is the most important issue in China-U.S. relations,” according to Chinese state media. He cautioned that “if mishandled, the two nations could collide or even come into conflict, pushing the entire China-US relationship into a highly perilous situation.”
The meeting, held at the Great Hall of the People, lasted around two hours and 15 minutes and marked the first visit by a U.S. president to China in nearly a decade. Trump struck a more optimistic tone, calling Xi a “great leader” and “friend,” and expressing confidence that relations would improve. “The relationship between China and the USA is going to be better than ever before,” he said.
Xi, however, emphasized caution, stating that the two countries “should be partners and not rivals.” He also referenced the risk of great power conflict, asking whether both sides could “transcend the so-called ‘Thucydides Trap’ and forge a new paradigm for major-power relations.”
Taiwan remained a central point of tension. While the United States recognizes Beijing diplomatically, it is required by law to provide Taiwan with defensive support. China, which claims the island, has increased military pressure and has not ruled out the use of force.
Following Xi’s remarks, Taipei described China as the “sole risk” to regional peace, while reaffirming continued U.S. support.
