Xi Jinping warns Trump: Taiwan mishandling could spark conflict
Xi Jinping tells Donald Trump that while China may show flexibility on trade and Iran, the 'one China' principle is non-negotiable as bilateral relations enter a new phase.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has issued a stark warning to US President Donald Trump, stating that mishandling the Taiwan issue could push the two nations into conflict. The caution was delivered during a two-hour and 15-minute summit at the Great Hall of the People on Thursday, marking the first visit by a US president to China since 2017. Xi described the Taiwan question as the most important issue in China-US relations, asserting that any misstep could drive the relationship into a "highly perilous situation."
In response to the firm stance, Trump praised Xi as a "great leader" and "friend," extending an invitation for the Chinese president to visit the White House in September. The diplomatic engagement followed a lavish welcome ceremony featuring an honour guard and crowds of children waving flags. Trump characterised the meeting as potentially the "biggest summit ever," signalling a desire to reset ties after a nearly decade-long hiatus in direct presidential interaction.
Xi emphasised that Beijing is prepared to be partners rather than rivals but drew a clear boundary regarding sovereignty. According to a summary from China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Xi noted that while China is willing to show flexibility on other matters, it remains inflexible on Taiwan. This conditional approach suggests that broader cooperation is contingent upon Washington’s acceptance of the 'one China' principle.
On the economic front, Xi highlighted that preparatory negotiations between US and Chinese trade teams in South Korea had reached "balanced and positive outcomes." This development carries significant weight given the domestic political context in the United States, where reports indicate Trump’s approval ratings are being impacted by an ongoing war with Iran. The summit thus serves as a critical opportunity for the US president to secure tangible economic wins.
Al Jazeera reporter Katrina Yu, reporting from Beijing, described the Chinese message as one of conditional flexibility. She noted that while China is open to disagreement on issues such as Iran, trade, and technology, the stance on Taiwan is absolute. The niceties and cooperative overtures offered by Beijing are explicitly linked to Washington’s recognition that Beijing is serious about bringing Taiwan under its control.
