Chinese President Xi Jinping warned U.S. leader Donald Trump that the Taiwan issue could push the relationship between the two countries toward "conflict" if mismanaged, as the summit between the world’s two great powers began in Beijing.
The important meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump began today (14 May) at the Great Hall of the People, where the Chinese leader candidly signaled that "the Taiwan issue is the most important matter in the China-U.S. relationship."
Chinese state media reported Xi Jinping’s statement that "China and the U.S. should be partners, not competitors," emphasizing that "the Taiwan issue is the most critical in China-U.S. relations." He warned that if mismanaged, "both countries could face clashes or even full-scale conflict," pushing relations into a very dangerous situation. Xi also questioned whether the U.S. could overcome the "Thucydides Trap," the risk that a rising power causes war with an established power, to create a more equal relationship.
While Xi spoke seriously, Donald Trump began by praising Xi as a "great leader" and "friend," predicting a wonderful future for both countries. However, this praise contrasts with the reality of a prolonged trade war throughout 2025 and new geopolitical issues such as the conflict in Iran. Trump planned to discuss sanctions on Iranian oil with China, even as he insisted the U.S. did not need China’s help on that matter. Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio hoped China would take a proactive role in reducing tensions in the Persian Gulf.
Additionally, Trump sought to advance trade agreements on agriculture and aircraft, bringing leading business figures like Elon Musk and Jensen Huang along. It remains to be seen whether the "truce" on tariffs agreed upon last October will be extended.
This visit to Beijing is the first by a U.S. president in nearly 10 years, as the world watches to see how the two powers will resolve conflicts over rare earth exports and competition in artificial intelligence technology.
In the evening, President Trump will attend an official reception and is scheduled to visit the ancient Temple of Heaven, a significant site where Chinese emperors historically performed rites to pray for bountiful harvests, marking China’s grandest state-level welcome.
,AFP