Xi Tells Trump Taiwan Is Top Issue in US-China Relations

Chinese leader Xi Jinping told President Trump on Thursday that Taiwan is "the most important issue" between the United States and China and warned that differences over the island could lead to clashes between the world's two largest economies. The warning came during a choreographed summit in Beijing that included an honor guard welcome and a visit to the Temple of Heaven.

" He added that if handled properly the bilateral relationship will enjoy overall stability, but otherwise the two countries will have clashes and even conflicts. "'Taiwan independence' and cross-Strait peace are as irreconcilable as fire and water," Xi said.

He described safeguarding peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait as the biggest common denominator between China and the U.S. Taiwan is a self-governing island that China claims as its own territory. Beijing has never renounced the use of force to bring it under mainland control.

The U.S. sells arms to Taiwan while maintaining a policy of strategic ambiguity on whether it would defend the island militarily. The White House readout called the meeting "good" and made no reference to Taiwan. It said the two sides discussed ways to enhance economic cooperation, including expanding market access for American businesses into China and increasing Chinese investment into U.S. industries.

Fentanyl and Chinese purchases of agricultural products were also discussed, the White House said. Bilateral trade featured prominently in the talks, which followed months of trade tensions between the economic rivals.

Trump invited Xi to the U.S. for a September visit during a banquet toast. Xi said his country was committed to building a relationship of strategic stability with the U.S. and that common interests outweigh differences. "Cooperation benefits both sides, while confrontation harms both," Xi told Trump.

The meeting came after the two leaders last met in October on the sidelines of an APEC summit in South Korea, where they ended a long-standing trade war and established what analysts call a trade truce. Before that truce, U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods had reached triple digits while Beijing imposed curbs on rare earth mineral exports critical for electronics and weapons systems.

On the eve of the visit, the White House suggested possible announcements on trade including soybeans and aircraft.

A dozen top U.S. executives accompanied the delegation, including leaders from SpaceX, Apple and NVIDIA. Xi told the business leaders that U.S. companies were contributing to China's reforms and opening up, adding that the door to China for U.S. business would only get wider.

" The two sides also discussed the Middle East, the war in Ukraine and agreed that the Strait of Hormuz must remain open. The strategic waterway carries 20 percent of the world's gas. The visit included a state banquet, a tour of the compound housing the Chinese Communist Party and a working lunch.

It is scheduled to conclude on Friday. In Taipei, Taiwan's government cabinet spokesperson Michelle Lee said the island is grateful for firm U.S. support. "The U.S. has also repeatedly reiterated its firm and clear position of support for Taiwan," Lee said.

“If it is handled properly, the bilateral relationship will enjoy overall stability. Otherwise, the two countries will have clashes and even conflicts, putting the entire relationship in great jeopardy.”

“The relationship between China and the USA is going to be better than ever before.”