Xi warns Trump Taiwan issue could spark conflict at Beijing summit

Chinese president stresses that Taiwan remained the most sensitive issue in relations between the two powers and cautioned that any miscalculation could seriously damage bilateral ties

BEIJING: (UrduPoint/UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News-May 14^th, 2026) Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday warned that the Taiwan issue could push China and the United States towards conflict if not handled carefully, as he opened high-level talks with US President Donald Trump in Beijing.

Speaking during the start of the summit, Xi stressed that Taiwan remained the most sensitive issue in relations between the two powers and cautioned that any miscalculation could seriously damage bilateral ties.

“The Taiwan question is the most important issue in China-US relations,” Xi said, adding that confrontation between the two countries would harm both sides, while cooperation would benefit global stability.

Trump arrived in Beijing for his first visit to China in nearly a decade, receiving a grand state welcome at the Great Hall of the People, complete with military honours, a red-carpet reception and performances by schoolchildren.

The US president praised Xi as a “great leader” and expressed optimism about future ties, saying relations between Washington and Beijing could become stronger than ever.

Despite the ceremonial warmth, major disagreements continue to overshadow ties between the two countries, including Taiwan, trade disputes, artificial intelligence competition and China’s export controls on rare earth materials.

Xi urged both nations to avoid rivalry and instead work together as partners. Referring to the “Thucydides Trap” — a theory describing tensions between rising and established global powers — the Chinese leader questioned whether Beijing and Washington could avoid confrontation and establish a new model of cooperation.

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The two leaders later visited Beijing’s historic Temple of Heaven before returning for further discussions and a state banquet.

Taiwan reacted sharply to Xi’s remarks, calling China the main threat to regional peace and reaffirming confidence in continued US support.

Trump had earlier indicated he planned to discuss US weapons sales to Taiwan with Xi, marking a notable shift from previous American policy positions.

The summit is also focused heavily on trade and economic cooperation. Trump is seeking expanded access for American companies and fresh business agreements involving agriculture, aviation and technology.

Several top US business executives joined the American delegation, including Elon Musk, Jensen Huang and Tim Cook. Chinese state media reported that Xi assured the executives China would continue opening its markets to foreign businesses.

The war in Iran and broader regional tensions were also expected to feature prominently in discussions. Trump said he intended to hold extensive talks with Xi regarding the middle East situation, while US Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged China to play a more active diplomatic role concerning Iran.

Trade tensions remain another key issue on the agenda following tariff disputes between the two countries that escalated last year. Both sides are expected to discuss extending a one-year tariff truce reached during their previous meeting in South Korea.

In a separate development ahead of the summit, China renewed export licences for hundreds of US beef processing plants, a move analysts viewed as a positive signal for ongoing trade negotiations between the two economic powers.