US, China could ‘clash’ if Taiwan issue mishandled: Xi warns Trump
ET Online
Synopsis
Chinese President Xi Jinping has issued a stern warning to US President Donald Trump. He stated that the Taiwan issue is the most critical in China-US relations. Mishandling this matter could lead to a clash between the two powerful nations. President Xi emphasized this during President Trump’s visit to Beijing. Both leaders are set for important discussions.
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APChinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday warned US President Donald Trump that the US-China could clash or come to conflict if the issue over self-ruled Taiwan is mishandled, as the territorial conflict is the “most important” in the ties between the two countries.
“The Taiwan question is the most important issue in China-US relations,” Xi said, AFP reported, citing state broadcaster CCTV.
“If mishandled, the two nations could collide or even come into conflict, pushing the entire China-US relationship into a highly perilous situation,” he said.
China views democratically governed Taiwan as its territory, a claim that Taipei rejects, and opposes US arms sales to the island.
Xi received Trump as he arrived at the Great Hall and introduced him to the Chinese officials, followed by Xi shaking hands with the US officials accompanying the president. Later, they inspected the guard of honour before going for talks.
US-China relations in focus
In his opening remarks at the key meeting, Xi told Trump that he expects 2026 to be “historic, landmark year” for China-US relations, and that the two countries must jointly answer the questions of the times.
Trump said that he was looking forward to a “big discussion” with President Xi as he arrived in Beijing last night to a rousing welcome.
