China’s Xi Jinping warned U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday that their two countries could clash over Taiwan if the problem was not handled properly, an unusually harsh admonition that stood in contrast to the American leader’s praise for his counterpart.
The exchange at a highly anticipated summit in Beijing underscored just how far apart Trump and Xi remain on thorny issues, including the war in Iran, trade disputes and Washington’s relations with Taiwan, which is self-ruled but which China claims as a part of its territory.
It also suggested that Trump’s three-day visit to China is more likely to be longer on pageantry and symbolism than substantive political or economic breakthroughs.
The pair met for about two hours behind closed doors on the Great Hall of the People after an elaborate welcome ceremony featuring booming cannons, a band playing “The Star-Spangled Banner” and China’s national anthem, and tons of of schoolchildren jumping and waving flowers and American and Chinese flags.
Based on a post on X by Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning, Xi told Trump that “the Taiwan query is an important issue in China-U.S. relations.”
“Whether it is handled properly, the bilateral relationship will enjoy overall stability. Otherwise, the 2 countries could have clashes and even conflicts, putting the whole relationship in great jeopardy,” she wrote.
That got here after a transient public exchange before the meeting began by which Trump told Xi: “You’re an ideal leader. Sometimes people don’t like me saying it, but I say it anyway, since it’s true.”
“It’s an honour to be your friend,” Trump said before promising that “the connection between China and the USA goes to be higher than ever before.”
Xi was way more stark in his opening remarks, expressing hope that the U.S. and China could avoid conflict and asking “whether the 2 countries can transcend the ‘Thucydides Trap’ and forge a brand new model for relations between major powers.”
That’s a term, popular in foreign policy studies, referring to the concept that when a rising power threatens to displace a longtime one, the result is usually war. Xi has used the term for years, but using it as Trump offered optimism was noteworthy and foreshadowed his closed-door comments on Taiwan.
Xi nonetheless struck a more conciliatory tone when describing the general relationship. “Cooperation advantages each side, while confrontation harms each,” he said.
“The 2 countries needs to be partners fairly than rivals.”
Each emphasized the importance of China-U.S. relations
After their meeting, Xi took Trump on a tour of the Temple of Heaven, then hosted a state banquet for him. The Chinese leader used his evening toast to notice that he and Trump had kept U.S.-China relations “generally stable” in a turbulent world.
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“Achieving the good rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and making America great again can go hand in hand,” Xi said, referring to Trump’s political movement.
“We will help one another succeed and advance the well-being of the entire world.”
In his toast, Trump again called Xi “my friend” and said his visit had been “an ideal honour” punctuated by a “improbable” day. He said matters “all good for the US and China” were discussed Thursday.
Trump also announced that Xi would make a reciprocal visit to the White House on Sept. 24 — a date not previously announced.
The positive tone also was reflected within the White House assessment of the sooner meetings, which said each leaders had touched on ways to boost economic cooperation, including expanding market access for American businesses in China and increasing Chinese investment into U.S. industries.
The White House readout didn’t mention Taiwan directly, but, in relation to Iran, said each side had agreed that the Strait of Hormuz, an important waterway for oil and natural gas, must remain open. The strait’s closure has stranded tankers and caused energy prices to spike, threatening global economic growth.
The war is dominating Trump’s domestic agenda and stoking fears in regards to the prospect of a weakening U.S. economy as November’s midterm elections — when Republicans hope to take care of control of Congress — approach.
China is the biggest purchaser of Iranian oil, and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in an interview with Fox News’ Sean Hannity that Trump would make the case for Beijing to exert its influence on Iran, noting that administration officials would underscore that “economies are melting down for this reason crisis,” which suggests consumers are “buying less Chinese product.”
It’s not clear if Trump persuaded Xi to wield his influence. The White House as an alternative said Xi opposed any implementation of tolls on vessels crossing the strait — as Iran has proposed — and expressed interest in China potentially purchasing more U.S. oil to cut back Chinese dependence on Gulf oil in the long run.
Taiwan issues remain contentious
Xi’s warning about Taiwan reflects China’s displeasure with a U.S. plan to sell weapons to the island. The Trump administration has approved a US$11 billion arms package for Taiwan, but has yet to start fulfilling it.
The U.S. has a longstanding commitment to assist the island defend itself if attacked, but Trump has shown greater ambivalence toward Taiwan, fueling speculation about whether the president may very well be persuaded to dial back American support.
Taiwan said after the Xi-Trump meeting that it was grateful for Washington’s “long-term support.”
“The federal government views all actions that contribute to regional stability and the management of potential risks from authoritarian expansion positively,” Michelle Lee, a spokesperson for Taiwan’s premier, told reporters.
She added that the U.S. “has also repeatedly reiterated its firm and clear position of support for Taiwan.”
U.S. still hopes to secure trade wins
The White House has insisted that Trump wouldn’t be making the trip without a watch toward securing concrete results, suggesting there may very well be coming announcements coming on trade.
Which may include a Chinese commitment to purchase U.S. soybeans, beef and aircraft. Trump administration officials also need to work toward establishing a Board of Trade with China to handle business differences between the countries.
Trump and Xi discussed trade on Thursday, with Xi saying that China’s door of opportunity will open wider. Xi also met with a set of U.S. business leaders who accompanied Trump.
George Chen, a partner at The Asia Group consultancy, said Xi has made his ”‘red line’ crystal clear” on Taiwan. But Chen said Xi also signaled a welcoming tone on the economic front and a desire to guarantee the U.S. business community that China is a spot where profits can flow.
The U.S. and China reached a trade truce last 12 months that calmed either side’s threats to impose steep tariffs on the opposite. The White House says there have been ongoing discussions and mutual interest in extending the agreement.
The leaders also discussed further stemming the flow of fentanyl precursor chemicals into the US, and increasing Chinese purchases of U.S. agricultural products, in line with the White House.