China’s Xi Warns Trump That Differences Over Taiwan Could Lead To Conflict

BEIJING (AP) — China’s Xi Jinping warned the president Donald Trump His warning on Thursday that the two countries could clash over Taiwan if the issue is not properly addressed was an unusually harsh warning, in stark contrast to the American leader’s praise for his counterpart.

The highly anticipated swap summit in Beijing It underlined how far apart Trump and Xi still are on thorny issues, including the war in Iran, trade disputes and Washington’s relations with Taiwan, which is self-governing but China claims as part of its territory.

It was also claimed that Trump’s three-day visit to China will most likely take place. longer on spectacle and symbolism It is more than important political or economic breakthroughs.

The two met behind closed doors in the Great Hall of the People for about two hours after an elaborate welcome ceremony in which cannons blasted, a band played the “Star-Spangled Banner” and China’s national anthem, and hundreds of schoolchildren jumped and waved flowers and American and Chinese flags.

According to Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Mao Ning’s post about X, Xi told Trump that “the Taiwan issue is the most important issue in China-US relations.”

“If managed correctly, the bilateral relationship will generally stabilize. Otherwise, there will be clashes and even clashes between the two countries, which will put the entire relationship in great danger,” he wrote.

The comment followed a brief public debate before the meeting began, in which Trump told Xi: “You’re a great leader. Sometimes people don’t like when I say it, but I say it anyway because it’s true.”

“It’s an honor to be your friend,” Trump said, before promising that U.S.-China relations “will be better than ever.”

Xi was much tougher in his opening remarks, expressing hope that the United States and China could avoid conflict and asking the question “whether the two countries can overcome the ‘Thucydides Trap’ and create a new model for relations between great powers.”

This is a popular term in foreign policy studies and refers to the idea that if a rising power threatens to displace an established power, the result will often be war. Xi has been using the term for years, but Trump’s use of the expression of optimism was notable and foreshadowed the comments he would make behind closed doors about Taiwan.

Xi, however, struck a more conciliatory tone when describing the overall relationship. “While cooperation benefits both parties, conflict harms both parties,” he said. “Two countries should be partners, not rivals.”

Secretary of State Marco Rubio later said US policy towards Taiwan “has not changed” but warned that China taking Taiwan by force would be a “terrible mistake”.

In an interview with NBC News, Rubio ignored Xi’s warning about a possible conflict with the United States and said China always brings up the Taiwan issue in talks.

“They always bring up the issue on their side. We always clarify our position and move on to other issues,” said Rubio, who travels with the president.

After the meeting, Xi took Trump on a tour of the Temple of Heaven and then held a state banquet for him. The Chinese leader used the evening’s toast to note that he and Trump have kept U.S.-China relations “generally stable” in a turbulent world.

“Achieving a great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and making America great again can go hand in hand,” Xi said, referring to Trump’s political move. “We can help each other succeed and increase the well-being of the entire world.”

In his toast, Trump said his visit was a “great honor” capped by a “wonderful” day. He said issues that were “good for the United States and China” were discussed.

Trump also said Xi would make a reciprocal visit to the White House on September 24, a previously undisclosed date.

The positive tone was also reflected in the White House’s assessment of previous meetings; In this assessment, it was stated that both leaders touched on ways to improve economic cooperation, including expanding market access for American businesses in China and increasing Chinese investment in US industries.

The White House statement did not directly mention Taiwan, but regarding Iran, it was stated that both sides agreed on Taiwan. Strait of HormuzThe waterway, vital for oil and gas, must remain open. The closure of the strait caused tankers to become stranded and energy prices to rise, threatening global economic growth.

China is the biggest Buyer of Iranian oilRubio said in an interview with Fox News that Trump will defend Beijing’s use of influence on Iran, noting that administration officials will highlight that “economies are melting down because of this crisis,” which means consumers are “buying less Chinese products.”

It is unclear whether Trump persuaded Xi to use his influence. The White House instead said Xi opposed imposing any tolls on ships passing through the strait, as Iran has proposed, and expressed interest in China potentially buying more U.S. oil to reduce its dependence on Gulf oil in the future.

Xi’s warning about Taiwan reflects China’s displeasure with US plans to sell arms to the island. Trump administration approved 11 billion dollar arms package For Taiwan, however, it has not yet begun to deliver.

The US has a longstanding commitment to help the island defend itself if attacked, but Trump has demonstrated this More ambivalence towards TaiwanThis fueled speculation about whether the president could be persuaded to decline American support.

Taiwan said it was grateful for Washington’s “long-term support” after the Xi-Trump meeting.

“The government views as positive all actions that contribute to regional stability and the management of potential risks from authoritarian expansion,” Michelle Lee, a spokeswoman for Taiwan’s prime minister, told reporters. He added that the United States “has repeatedly reiterated its firm and unequivocal position of support for Taiwan.”

The White House has suggested this could be imminent, insisting that Trump would not make the trip without the goal of achieving concrete results. trade related announcements.

This could include China committing to buying U.S. soybeans, beef and aircraft. Trump administration officials also want to work toward establishing a Board of Trade with China to address trade differences between the countries.

As Trump and Xi discussed trade on Thursday, Xi said China’s door of opportunity will open wider. Xi also met with a group of US businessmen accompanying Trump.

George Chen, a consulting partner at The Asia Group, said Xi had “clearly” laid out his red line on Taiwan. But Chen said Xi also signaled a welcoming tone on the economic front and a desire to reassure U.S. business that China is a place where profits can flow.

USA and China reached an agreement trade truce Last year, this calmed threats from each side to impose high tariffs on the other. The White House said there are ongoing discussions and mutual interest in extending the agreement.

The leaders also discussed further stemming the flow of fentanyl precursor chemicals into the United States and increasing China’s purchases of U.S. agricultural products, according to the White House.

Associated Press writers Seung Min Kim, Darlene Superville and Michelle L. Price in Washington, Simina Mistreanu in Bangkok and Kanis Leung in Hong Kong contributed to this report.