By Our Correspondent
Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered a strong warning to U.S. President Donald Trump over Taiwan during a high-stakes summit in Beijing on Thursday, cautioning that Washington’s handling of the island could trigger “clashes and even conflicts” between the world’s two biggest powers.
Speaking during closed-door talks at the Great Hall of the People, Xi described Taiwan as “the most important issue in China-U.S. relations,” according to a statement released by China’s foreign ministry. He warned that failure to manage the issue carefully could place bilateral ties “in great jeopardy.”
Speaking during closed-door talks at the Great Hall of the People, Xi described Taiwan as “the most important issue in China-U.S. relations,” according to a statement released by China’s foreign ministry. He warned that failure to manage the issue carefully could place bilateral ties “in great jeopardy.”
Xi’s remarks came amid growing tensions over a proposed $11 billion U.S. weapons package for Taiwan approved by the Trump administration. Although the deal has yet to be fully implemented, Beijing views continued American military support for Taiwan as direct interference in its internal affairs.
The Chinese leader struck a noticeably firmer tone than Trump, who opened the meeting with warm praise for Xi, calling him “a great leader” and declaring it was “an honor” to be his friend. Trump also expressed optimism that relations between Washington and Beijing would become “better than ever before.”
However, Xi stressed that cooperation between both countries was preferable to rivalry, urging the United States and China to avoid falling into the so-called “Thucydides Trap” — a term used in international relations to describe the danger of war when a rising power challenges an established global power.
Despite sharp disagreements over Taiwan, trade, and the ongoing Middle East crisis, both leaders agreed publicly on the need for a “constructive, strategic and stable” relationship, according to China’s state media.
The summit also featured elaborate diplomatic pageantry, including a military-style welcome ceremony, a state banquet, and a joint visit to Beijing’s historic Temple of Heaven.
Why Taiwan Matters to China and the U.S.
Taiwan remains one of the most sensitive flashpoints in global politics. China considers the self-governing island part of its territory and has vowed to eventually reunify with it, by force if necessary. Beijing strongly opposes any foreign support that appears to strengthen Taiwan’s independence.
For the United States, Taiwan is strategically important because of its location in the Indo-Pacific region, its role as a democratic ally, and its dominance in the global semiconductor industry. Washington is also legally bound under the Taiwan Relations Act to help the island maintain its self-defense capabilities.
The competing interests of both powers have made Taiwan a critical issue at the center of U.S.-China relations and a potential trigger for future conflict.
With additional reports from Associated Press, AP