The two leaders have met in Beijing alongside members of Trump’s family (Image: Getty)
While meeting with Trump in Beijing, Xi Jinping warned the U.S. leader that the U.S. and China could “come into conflict” if the Taiwan issue isn’t handled correctly, Chinese state media have reported.
For the Chinese leader, Taiwan was described as the most important issue in US-China relations, and he appears adamant that it be handled correctly to avoid problems, even though Trump has been given a new Chinese nickname with a nasty translation.
His sharp tone contrasts with Trump’s, who has already praised Xi, saying, “It’s an honor to be your friend.” This shows just how far apart the leaders remain on difficult issues, including the war in Iran, trade disputes, and Taiwan, and suggests that Trump’s three-day visit to China is likely to be longer on pageantry and symbolism than major bilateral breakthroughs. It comes after a mystery blonde joined Trump on his trip to China after Melania’s anguish.
The pair met for about two hours behind closed doors at the Great Hall of the People and discussed trade and other issues.
A readout posted on X by the Chinese foreign ministry showed that, during a meeting with Trump, Xi told spokesperson Mao Ning that “the Taiwan question is the most important issue in China-U.S. relations.”
“If it is handled properly, the bilateral relationship will enjoy overall stability. Otherwise, the two countries will have clashes and even conflicts, putting the entire relationship in great jeopardy,” she noted.
This followed a short public interaction prior to the start of the meeting, during which Trump offered compliments, saying to Xi: “You’re a great leader. Sometimes people don’t like me saying it, but I say it anyway, because it’s true.
“It’s an honor to be with you. It’s an honor to be your friend,” Trump remarked before pledging that “the relationship between China and the USA is going to be better than ever before.”
Xi adopted a more somber, questioning tone in his opening comments, voicing optimism that the U.S. and China could prevent conflict while questioning “whether the two countries can transcend the `Thucydides Trap’ and forge a new model for relations between major powers.”
Xi and Trump appear to have adopted contrasting tones during the visit (Image: Getty)
He employed a phrase commonly used in foreign policy discourse, alluding to the concept that when an emerging power poses a threat to an established one, war frequently follows.
“Cooperation benefits both sides, while confrontation harms both,” Xi stated. “The two countries should be partners rather than rivals.” It’s not the first time Xi has referenced the “Thucydides Trap” in U.S.-China relations; he’s mentioned the phrase as far back as 2014.
Xi’s caution regarding Taiwan mirrors China’s discontent with a U.S. plan to sell weapons to the island. The Trump administration has greenlit an $11 billion arms package for Taiwan, though delivery has not yet commenced. Trump has also shown increased uncertainty toward Taiwan, an attitude that has prompted questions about whether he might reduce support for the island democracy.