Xi Reiterates Taiwan as Core Interest in Talks With Trump

Chinese President Xi Jinping told President Trump during talks in Beijing on Thursday that Taiwan is China's most important and sensitive issue in bilateral relations, according to Chinese state media and a government readout. The discussion occurred as the two leaders began a two-day summit.

Chinese state media reported that Xi emphasized the need to handle the Taiwan issue with utmost caution. According to the Chinese government readout, Xi said that if the Taiwan issue is handled well, it can help stabilize overall bilateral relations, but if handled poorly, the two countries "will have clashes and even conflicts" that put the entire relationship in jeopardy.

Xi told Trump that "Taiwan independence and peace across the Taiwan Strait are incompatible," the readout stated.

The Chinese account described the exchange as part of a broader conversation that also touched on trade, Iran and other priorities. White House officials have not publicly detailed any discussion of Taiwan. The Trump administration has repeatedly said that U.S. policy on Taiwan is not expected to change. No immediate policy shifts on Taiwan were announced by either side following the talks.

The leaders offered each other public praise during a welcoming ceremony at the Great Hall of the People. Both sides described the opening session as constructive. The summit continues Friday with further discussions expected on trade and economic cooperation.

Taiwan is a self-ruling democracy that Beijing considers to be Chinese territory. Officials in Taiwan had expressed concern ahead of the summit that the island could become a bargaining chip in talks over trade or Iran. The meeting took place against a backdrop of continued U.S. support for Taiwan's defense needs.