Chinese President Xi Jinping, while meeting with President Donald Trump in Beijing overnight, warned there would be “clashes” and “conflicts” over Taiwan if the United States does not handle the regional dispute well.
China has claimed sovereignty over Taiwan for years, while the U.S. has backed the self-governing island’s military capabilities through arms sales and strategic planning in the event of a possible invasion from mainland China. Despite the aid, the U.S. does not officially recognize Taiwan’s independence. The issue threatens to derail the U.S.-China relationship.
“The Taiwan question is the most important issue in China-U.S. relations,” Xi said in the closed-door meeting, according to a readout from the Chinese Foreign Ministry. “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.”
Trump did not acknowledge Xi’s statement on Taiwan and moved to the next topic of discussion, the Washington Post reported, citing an anonymous White House official. Taiwan was not mentioned in the White House’s readout.
The meeting primarily focused on strengthening trade ties and resolving the Iran war.
Trump later described the talks as “extremely positive” while delivering a toast at the state dinner. In a show of good faith, he invited Xi to visit the U.S. in late September.
Meanwhile, a looming geopolitical conflict over Taiwan may come to the forefront of international politics the longer the Iran war lasts. Depending on how the conflict in the Middle East ends, it could alter Xi’s plans for the democratic island.
Xi has reportedly ordered his army to prepare for a possible invasion by 2027, though that is not a guaranteed timeline for such an attack.
The Taiwanese government insists China remains the “sole cause of instability” for the region as Beijing continues running military drills around the island.
“Even during the meeting between the leaders of the United States and China, the People’s Liberation Army continued to send military aircraft and ships to harass and threaten Taiwan in the region,” the Taiwanese Ministry of Affairs said in response to Xi’s warning.
CHINA’S XI JINPING WARNS OF WORLD BEING AT ‘CROSSROADS’ AND TALKS OF OVERCOMING ‘THUCYDIDES TRAP’
Taiwan also thanked the U.S. for its long-term support.
“The government views all actions that contribute to regional stability and the management of potential risks from authoritarian expansion positively and continues to work with the United States in various aspects of our relationship,” Taiwanese government spokeswoman Michelle Lee said.