Trump warned Xi that disagreements over Taiwan could lead to conflict – nationally
China’s Xi Jinping warned US President Donald Trump on Thursday that their two countries could clash over Taiwan if the issue is not handled properly, an unusually strong admonition that stood in stark contrast to the US leader’s praise for his colleagues.
Discussions at the much-anticipated summit in Beijing underscored how far apart Trump and Xi are on thorny issues, including the Iran war, trade disputes and Washington’s relationship with Taiwan, which it governs but which China claims is part of its territory.
It also suggested that Trump’s three-day visit to China may have been more about visualization and symbolism than political or economic success.
The couple met for about two hours behind closed doors in the Great Hall of the People after a lavish reception that included a cannon, a band playing the “Star-Spangled Banner” and China’s national anthem, and hundreds of school children jumping and waving flowers and American and Chinese flags.
According to a post on X by Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning, Xi told Trump that “the Taiwan question is a very important issue in China-US relations.”
“If handled properly, bilateral relations will enjoy complete stability. Otherwise, the two countries will have conflicts and conflicts, which puts the entire relationship in serious danger,” he wrote.
That happened after a short discussion with the public before the start of the meeting where Trump told Xi: “You are a great leader, sometimes people don’t like me to say it, but I say it anyway, because it’s true.”
“It’s an honor to be your friend,” Trump said before promising that “the relationship between China and the USA will be better than ever.”
Xi was very vocal in his opening speech, expressing hope that the US and China can avoid conflicts and asking “whether the two countries can overcome the ‘Thucydides Trap’ and build a new model of relations between great powers.”
That term, popular in foreign policy studies, refers to the idea that when a rising power threatens to dislodge an established one, the result is usually war. Xi has used the term for years, but using it as Trump offered hope was remarkable and symbolized his closed views on Taiwan.
Xi, however, had a conciliatory tone when describing the relationship as a whole. “Cooperation benefits both parties, while conflict hurts both,” he said.
“These two countries should be partners rather than rivals.”
After their meeting, Xi took Trump on a tour of the Temple of Heaven, and gave him a state banquet. The Chinese leader used his dinner to comment that he and Trump have kept US-China relations “stable” in a turbulent country.
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“Achieving the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and making America great can also go hand in hand,” Xi said, referring to Trump’s political organization.
“We can help each other succeed and improve the well-being of the world.”
In his toast, Trump also called Xi “my friend” and said his visit was a “great honor” and a “great” day. He said the issues “are all good for the United States and China” were discussed on Thursday.
Trump also announced that Xi will visit the White House again on September 24 – a previously unannounced date.
The positive mood was also reflected in the White House assessment of previous meetings, which said that both leaders touched on ways to improve economic cooperation, including increasing market access for American businesses in China and increasing Chinese investment in American industries.
The White House reading did not mention Taiwan specifically, but, in relation to Iran, it said both sides agreed that the Strait of Hormuz, an important waterway for oil and natural gas, must remain open. The closure of the strait has stopped tankers and caused electricity prices to rise, threatening global economic growth.
The war dominates Trump’s domestic agenda and stokes fears about the prospect of a US economic slowdown as the mid-term elections in November – in which Republicans hope to control Congress – approach.
China is a major buyer of Iranian oil, and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in an interview with Fox News’ Sean Hannity that Trump will blame Beijing for influencing Iran, noting that administration officials will insist that “the economy is melting because of this crisis,” meaning consumers are “buying less Chinese product.”
It is not clear whether Trump persuaded Xi to use his influence. The White House instead said Xi opposed any implementation of anti-shipping tariffs – as Iran has proposed – and expressed interest in whether China could buy US oil to reduce China’s dependence on Gulf oil in the future.
Taiwan issues are still controversial
Xi’s warning about Taiwan shows China’s displeasure with the US plan to sell arms to the island. The Trump administration has approved a US$11 billion arms package for Taiwan, but has yet to implement it.
The US has long pledged to help the island defend itself in the event of an attack, but Trump has shown ambivalence about Taiwan, raising speculation about whether the president can be persuaded to return US support.
Taiwan said after the Xi-Trump meeting that it was grateful for Washington’s “long-term support”.
“The government carefully considers all actions that affect regional stability and the management of potential risks due to the authorized escalation,” said Michelle Lee, a spokeswoman for Taiwan’s prime minister, told reporters.
He added that the US “has repeatedly reiterated its strong and clear position of support for Taiwan.”
The US is still hoping to secure a trade deal
The White House has stressed that Trump will not make the trip without looking at concrete results, suggesting there may be further announcements on trade.
That could include Chinese commitments to buy US soybeans, beef and airplanes. Trump administration officials also want to work to establish a Trade Council with China to deal with trade tensions between the countries.
Trump and Xi discussed trade on Thursday, and Xi said China’s door of opportunity will be wide open. Xi also met with a group of American business leaders who have been with Trump.
George Chen, a partner at The Asia Group consultancy, said Xi had made his “‘red line’ clear” on Taiwan. But Chen said Xi has also shown a more welcoming tone to the economy and a desire to reassure the American business community that China is a place where profits can flow.
The US and China reached a trade deal last year that eased threats by each side to impose tougher tariffs on the other. The White House says there have been ongoing discussions and mutual interest in extending the deal.
The leaders also discussed continuing to curb the flow of fentanyl precursor chemicals to the United States, and increasing Chinese imports of US agricultural products, according to the White House.
