China and the United States could enter into “conflict” if Washington mishandles Taiwan, Chinese President Xi Jinping warned his American counterpart Donald Trump during high-stakes talks in Beijing on Thursday.
Trade, artificial intelligence, the war in Ukraine and tensions in the Middle East were also on the agenda as the two leaders met for more than two hours at Beijing’s Great Hall of the People.
Trump received a lavish welcome on arrival, with a military honour guard, cannon fire and crowds of children waving Chinese and American flags and chanting: “Welcome, welcome, warm welcome!”
Against that carefully staged backdrop, the two leaders quickly moved to some of the most sensitive issues dividing Beijing and Washington.
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Flashpoint island
“Taiwan independence is incompatible with peace in the Taiwan Strait,” Xi said, according to Chinese state broadcaster CCTV.
The Chinese word used by Xi does not necessarily mean military conflict. It can also refer to political or diplomatic confrontation.
China considers self-ruled Taiwan part of its territory and says it wants eventual reunification with mainland China. Beijing says it prefers peaceful reunification but has never ruled out the use of force.
The United States officially recognises Beijing rather than Taipei, but remains Taiwan’s main arms supplier – a long-running source of tension with China.
Beijing has increased military pressure around Taiwan in recent years, particularly since Tsai Ing-wen became president in 2016 and after Lai Ching-te took office in 2024. Both Taiwanese presidents have firmly rejected China’s claims over the island.
Taiwan’s government said Washington had reaffirmed its support during Thursday’s talks.
“The American side repeatedly reaffirmed its clear and firm support for Taiwan,” government spokeswoman Michelle Lee told reporters.
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Business interests
Economic issues were also central to the summit, with nearly 20 American business leaders accompanying Trump to Beijing.
Xi sought to reassure American companies that China remained open to foreign business.
“The door of China’s opening-up will continue to open wider and wider,” Xi said, quoted by state news agency Xinhua.
Several major US technology firms arrived with specific commercial objectives.
Tesla is seeking wider approval from Beijing for autonomous driving technology. Nvidia wants fewer restrictions on advanced computer chips used in artificial intelligence systems.
Apple remains heavily dependent on China, where around 90 percent of iPhones sold worldwide are produced.
Warm words
Trump struck a friendly tone at the start of the meeting.
“It is an honour to be by your side and an honour to be your friend,” Trump told Xi.
“The relationship between China and the United States is going to be better than ever. We are going to have a fabulous future together.”
After the first round of talks, Trump visited the Temple of Heaven, a historic Beijing landmark listed as a Unesco World Heritage site. Xi and Trump are due to share tea and lunch on Friday.
(with newswires)
