China’s President Xi Jinping warned U.S. President Donald Trump that tensions over Taiwan could lead to conflict if the issue is mishandled, highlighting deep divisions between the two powers during talks in Beijing.
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The warning came during a highly anticipated summit between the leaders, where disagreements also emerged over the war in Iran, trade disputes and Washington’s relationship with Taiwan, the self-governed island claimed by China.
While the two sides struck a cordial tone publicly, the exchange underscored the continuing strain in relations between the world’s two largest economies.
Taiwan at the centre of tensions
According to comments shared by Chinese officials after the meeting, Xi told Trump that the Taiwan issue remained the most important matter in relations between the two countries.
The remarks were delivered during closed-door talks that followed a public greeting at Beijing’s Great Hall of the People.
Before the meeting, Trump praised his Chinese counterpart, telling Xi he was a “great leader” and saying it was an honour to call him a friend. The U.S. president also said he expected ties between the two countries to improve.
Xi’s own public remarks struck a more cautious tone. He said China and the United States must determine whether they could avoid falling into what scholars call the Thucydides Trap — the idea that war can occur when a rising power threatens to displace an established one.
The Chinese leader has invoked the concept before, but its use during the summit underscored Beijing’s concern over tensions surrounding Taiwan.
Later, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said American policy toward Taiwan had not changed. He also warned that it would be a “terrible mistake” if China attempted to take the island by force.
Ceremony and diplomacy
The leaders met for around two hours behind closed doors following an elaborate welcome ceremony that included military honours, national anthems and schoolchildren waving U.S. and Chinese flags.
After the talks, Xi hosted Trump on a tour of the Temple of Heaven and later held a state banquet in his honour.
During a toast at the event, Xi said the two countries had kept relations “generally stable” despite global turbulence. He added that China’s national ambitions and Trump’s political slogan of making America great again could coexist.
Trump described the visit as an honour and said discussions had focused on matters beneficial to both countries.
He also said Xi would make a reciprocal visit to the White House on 24 September, a date that had not previously been announced.
Iran war and economic issues
Trump later said Xi had indicated he was willing to help negotiate an end to the conflict involving Iran and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil shipments.
The closure of the strait has disrupted tanker traffic and contributed to rising energy prices, raising concerns about global economic growth.
China is the largest buyer of Iranian oil, and U.S. officials have urged Beijing to use its influence with Tehran.
Rubio said the administration would argue that the crisis was hurting global economies and reducing demand for Chinese exports.
The White House said both leaders agreed the strait should remain open, though it did not state whether China would intervene diplomatically.
Trade talks and future cooperation
Despite political tensions, both governments said they were seeking progress on economic cooperation.
The White House said the leaders discussed expanding market access for American businesses in China and increasing Chinese investment in U.S. industries.
Trump said Xi had signalled a willingness to purchase 200 aircraft from Boeing. The administration is also hoping for commitments from China to buy more U.S. soybeans, beef and other agricultural products.
Officials have proposed creating a joint trade board to manage economic disputes between the two countries.
Meanwhile, Taiwan’s government said it remained grateful for Washington’s longstanding support after the summit, adding that the United States had repeatedly reaffirmed its backing for the island.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 15 May 2026
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