Chinese President Xi Jinping issued a blunt warning to U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday, saying the Taiwan issue could push both countries into direct conflict if not handled carefully.
The warning came as the two leaders opened high-stakes talks in Beijing during Trump’s first visit to China since returning to office.
While Trump arrived in Beijing praising Xi as a “great leader” and predicting a stronger future for both nations, the Chinese president quickly shifted the conversation to one of the most sensitive issues in China-U.S. relations.
“The Taiwan question is the most important issue in China-US relations,” Xi said during opening talks at the Great Hall of the People.
“If mishandled, the two nations could collide or even come into conflict,” he warned, according to Chinese state media.
The unusually direct tone set the stage for what is expected to be a tense summit dominated by disputes over Taiwan, trade, artificial intelligence, rare earth exports, and the ongoing Iran conflict.
Despite the sharp political undertone, China rolled out an elaborate welcome ceremony for Trump in Beijing.
Xi greeted the U.S. president with military honours, a gun salute, and cheering schoolchildren waving flags outside the Great Hall of the People.
Trump appeared upbeat during the ceremony, telling reporters he believed relations between Washington and Beijing would become “better than ever before.”
Xi, however, struck a more cautious tone. Referencing the ancient Greek concept known as the “Thucydides Trap” the idea that war can erupt when a rising power challenges a dominant one the Chinese leader urged both countries to avoid confrontation.
“Cooperation benefits both sides, while confrontation harms both,” Xi said.
Taiwan continues to be one of the biggest sources of tension between both superpowers.
China considers the self-ruled island part of its territory and has repeatedly vowed to reunify it with the mainland, by force if necessary.
The United States officially recognises Beijing diplomatically but continues to supply Taiwan with weapons under U.S. law.
Earlier this week, Trump said he planned to discuss American arms sales to Taiwan with Xi a notable shift from Washington’s longstanding position that such decisions are not subject to Chinese approval.
Following Xi’s warning, Taiwanese officials accused Beijing of being the main threat to regional peace and said the United States had continued to reaffirm support for the island.
Analysts say Xi’s unusually direct language suggests Beijing sees Taiwan as the most dangerous pressure point in its relationship with Washington.
The ongoing Iran conflict is also expected to dominate discussions between both leaders.
Trump said he planned to hold a “long talk” with Xi about Iran, although he insisted the United States does not need China’s help to manage the crisis.
Still, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated Washington hopes Beijing could play a more active diplomatic role, given China’s close economic ties with Tehran.
Business was also high on the agenda. Several American executives, including leaders from major technology and manufacturing companies, joined Trump’s delegation as both countries explore trade opportunities and a possible extension of their temporary tariff truce.
Chinese officials said recent trade discussions between both sides had produced “balanced and positive” results, raising cautious hopes of easing tensions after months of economic rivalry.
The two leaders are expected to continue talks later Thursday during a state banquet in Beijing.
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