Xi Jinping warns Trump over Taiwan, says US–China conflict possible

Darwin, 15 May: Chinese President Xi Jinping has warned US President Donald Trump that a conflict between China and the United States could arise over Taiwan, calling it the “most important issue” in US–China relations.

Xi made the remarks during a face-to-face meeting with Trump in Beijing on Thursday (May 14), according to the BBC.

Chinese state media reported that Xi told Trump: “If the Taiwan issue is handled well, China–US relations can remain stable. But if it is not handled properly, it could lead to confrontation or even conflict. This would place the entire China–US relationship in a highly risky situation.”

Xi also said that Taiwan’s aspiration for independence is completely incompatible with stability in the Taiwan Strait, adding that maintaining stability in the region is one of the most important factors in China–US relations.

Taiwan lies near China, but Beijing considers it part of its territory and has long maintained that reunification will eventually happen, if necessary by military force.

While the United States does not officially recognize Taiwan as an independent state, it maintains unofficial relations with the island and supplies it with weapons.

China regularly conducts military drills around Taiwan, seeking to discourage any move by the island toward formal independence.