Trump and Xi Hold Summit Talks on Trade, Taiwan and Strait of Hormuz

President Donald Trump met with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing for summit talks focused on trade, the situation in Iran and navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. According to a Chinese government readout, Xi told Trump that “The Taiwan question is the most important issue in China-U.S. relations.

If it is handled properly, the bilateral relationship will enjoy overall stability.

The two leaders agreed that the Strait of Hormuz must remain open and rejected any Iranian effort to impose tolls on vessels passing through the waterway, according to a White House readout. Trump later told Fox News that Xi had expressed interest in helping to facilitate reopening of the strait, noting China’s large oil purchases from Iran.

Trump also said Xi assured him that China would not supply military equipment to Iran, describing the statement as significant.

The meetings included a ceremonial welcome featuring a 21-gun salute, children waving flags, bilateral talks, a visit to the Temple of Heaven and a state banquet. Trump was scheduled to continue seeking trade wins in final meetings on Friday.

Ties between Washington and Taipei have long been among the most sensitive issues in U.S.-China relations. The Chinese Communist Party views the self-governing island as a breakaway province that must eventually be brought under its control. Xi regards Taiwan as a province destined for reunification and has directed the military to prepare for a possible invasion by 2027.

For decades Washington has followed a policy of strategic ambiguity on whether it would defend Taiwan in the event of an attack.

A partner for the Greater China practice at the Asia Group told Military Times that Xi’s remarks were intended to set clear boundaries rather than signal escalation. The expert added that Xi appeared uninterested in a military path for Taiwan at this stage and hoped Washington would align to avoid destabilizing Northeast Asia.

Trump had previously said he would raise with Xi the State Department’s recent decision to stall a proposed $14 billion arms package for Taiwan. U.S. officials pointed to last year’s $11 billion arms sale to the island as evidence of continued commitment.