Xi warns Trump about Taiwan at Beijing summit

During a two‑hour and 15‑minute meeting in Beijing, Chinese President Xi Jinping warned U.S. President Donald Trump that missteps over Taiwan could lead the two countries into conflict. The remarks were made as the leaders began a high‑profile summit between the two superpowers.

Trump arrived in China with praise for his host, calling Xi a “great leader” and a “friend,” and expressing optimism that the United States and China would enjoy a “fantastic future together.”

While the ceremony was elaborate, Xi’s tone was more measured. He urged that the two sides be partners rather than rivals and immediately raised the issue of Taiwan, which Beijing claims as part of its territory.

“The Taiwan question is the most important issue in China‑US relations,” Xi said, according to statements released by Chinese state media. “If mishandled, the two nations could collide or even come into conflict, pushing the entire China‑US relationship into a highly perilous situation.”

Trump’s visit marks the first time a U.S. president has travelled to Beijing in almost ten years, and the ceremony was set against a backdrop of unresolved trade disputes and geopolitical tensions.

Xi welcomed Trump with a red‑carpet reception at the Great Hall of the People, accompanied by a military band, a 21‑gun salute, and schoolchildren chanting “welcome!”

Enjoying the spectacle, Trump declared that the China‑U.S. relationship would be “better than ever before.”

Xi referred to the ancient Greek political theory of the “Thucydides Trap,” which warns that a rising power can provoke conflict with a ruling power. He asked whether China and the United States could move beyond that trap and create a new paradigm for major‑power relations, adding that cooperation benefits both sides while confrontation harms both.

Since Trump’s last visit in 2017, the two countries have been embroiled in a complex trade war and have disagreed on many global issues throughout 2025.

– ‘Blunt language’ –

Taiwan remains a long‑standing point of contention. The United States officially recognizes only Beijing but is required by domestic law to supply defensive weapons to Taiwan.

China has pledged to bring the self‑governed democracy under its control and has not ruled out using force, increasing military pressure in recent years.

Following Xi’s comments, Taipei described China as the “sole risk” to regional peace and reiterated that the U.S. “has repeatedly reaffirmed its clear and firm support.”

Trump said on Monday that he would discuss U.S. arms sales to Taiwan with Xi, a departure from Washington’s traditional stance of not consulting Beijing on the matter.

The White House described the initial talks as “good,” but did not mention Taiwan in its official readout.

Adam Ni, editor of the newsletter China Neican, told AFP that while Xi’s “blunt language” is not unusual in Chinese foreign policy, it was uncommon for the leader himself to use it.

According to Chong Ja Ian of the National University of Singapore, China is “signalling a desire for U.S. compromise on Taiwan,” and Xi’s demand may reflect an attempt to persuade Trump.

– Iran overshadows –

The White House’s brief summary noted that the leaders also discussed the Iran war, a topic that analysts say could weaken Trump’s position and had already forced him to postpone the trip.

The two sides “agreed that the Strait of Hormuz must remain open to support the free flow of energy,” the White House said. According to the Americans, Xi also said China opposed the militarisation of the waterway or any attempt to charge for its use.

The Chinese foreign ministry earlier said the Middle East was discussed but did not provide further details.

Economic cooperation was also on the agenda, with Trump hoping to secure deals in agriculture, aircraft, and other sectors. The delegation included high‑profile businessmen such as Nvidia’s Jensen Huang and Tesla’s Elon Musk, who joined part of the Trump‑Xi talks.

Xi told the executives that China’s “doors to the outside world will open wider and wider,” according to state media.

The president also mentioned that pre‑summit talks between top officials in South Korea on trade had “reached results that were generally balanced and positive.”

He urged both sides to “safeguard the current hard‑won positive momentum,” with the presidents set to discuss extending the one‑year tariff truce reached during their last meeting in October.

The Ukraine conflict and North Korea were also discussed at Thursday’s meeting, according to China’s foreign ministry.

After a break from negotiations, the leaders visited the Temple of Heaven, a World Heritage site where Chinese emperors once prayed for good harvests.

They will return to the Great Hall of the People this evening for a state banquet.

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