Chinese President Xi Jinping has cautioned United States President Donald Trump that tensions over Taiwan could push relations between both countries towards conflict, even as the two sides report progress in ongoing trade discussions.
Xi issued the warning during a high-level summit held on Thursday in Beijing, where both leaders met at the Great Hall of the People for more than two hours of talks.
According to a statement released by China’s foreign ministry, Xi told Trump that Taiwan remains the most sensitive and important issue in U.S.–China relations.
He warned that mishandling the matter could place bilateral relations in an “extremely dangerous situation” and could even cause the two powers to “collide or enter conflict”.
At the same time, Xi noted that trade negotiations between US and Chinese officials held in South Korea on Wednesday had delivered “overall balanced and positive outcomes”.
The discussions were aimed at sustaining a fragile trade truce reached by both countries in October last year, while also exploring frameworks for future cooperation in trade and investment.
Despite the stern warning over Taiwan, the atmosphere at the summit was described as cordial.
Both leaders exchanged compliments during a formal state reception in Beijing.
President Trump reportedly described Xi as “a great leader” and suggested the meeting could turn out to be “the biggest summit ever”.
“You’re a great leader, sometimes people don’t like me saying it, but I say it anyway,” Trump said during his opening remarks.
The visit marks Trump’s first trip to China in nearly a decade.
It comes at a time when his administration is navigating heightened geopolitical tensions, including strains with Beijing over trade and technology, as well as broader international pressures linked to the Iran conflict.
The summit is expected to influence the next phase of U.S.–China relations, particularly on sensitive security and economic issues.
