Xi tells Trump that mishandling of Taiwan could spark conflict

Chinese President Xi Jinping cautioned U.S. President Donald Trump during a closed-door meeting in Beijing that disagreements over Taiwan could destabilize relations and risk conflict, marking a stark warning amid otherwise cordial talks. Xi emphasized Taiwan as the most pressing issue between the two nations, despite Beijing’s past statements on the democratically governed island claimed by China. The leaders met for over two hours at the Great Hall of the People, where Xi noted progress in trade negotiations held in South Korea the prior day, aiming to preserve a fragile trade truce from October. Trump had anticipated Xi raising U.S. arms sales to Taiwan, including a $14 billion package awaiting his approval, which China strongly opposes. While the U.S. summary of the talks focused on reopening the Strait of Hormuz and potential Chinese oil purchases from America, Beijing’s account highlighted Xi’s urgency on Taiwan. Analysts described Xi’s remarks as a direct warning to avoid provocation, though Trump did not comment on Taiwan during a later photo opportunity with Xi. The summit, Trump’s first presidential visit to China in nearly a decade, included a lavish state banquet featuring 10 courses like lobster soup and Beijing duck, where Xi stressed the importance of the U.S.-China relationship. Business executives, including Elon Musk, accompanied Trump to address trade and investment issues. Both leaders planned further discussions on Friday before Trump’s departure, with Taiwan’s government dismissing the summit’s outcomes as unsurprising, citing China’s military pressure as the real threat to regional peace.