Chinese President Xi Jinping warned US President Donald Trump on Thursday that mishandling the issue of Taiwan could lead to “clashes and even conflicts”, and jeopardise relations between the world’s two largest economies.
Mr Xi made the remarks during a closed-door meeting with Mr Trump at Beijing’s Great Hall of the People on the second day of his official visit to China.
“The Taiwan question is the most important issue in China-US relations,” Mr Xi said, according to the Chinese government.
“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.”
The warning contrasted sharply with Mr Trump’s upbeat tone earlier in the day. Before visiting the historic Temple of Heaven in southern Beijing, he described the talks as “great” and said “China is beautiful”. He did not answer questions from reporters about whether Taiwan had been discussed.
US support for Taiwan, including weapons sales, has long been one of the most contentious issues in relations between Washington and Beijing.
China claims the island as part of its territory under the “One China” principle and has vowed there will be eventual reunification.
Mr Trump, who arrived in Beijing late on Wednesday, has sought to keep the trip focused on business and trade deals.
He invited Apple chief executive Tim Cook, Nvidia chief executive Jensen Huang and billionaire and former adviser Elon Musk. Trade agreements could be announced on Friday.
The White House is also seeking deals involving what aides have described as “the three Bs” – beef, soybeans and Boeing aircraft – while officials have also indicated there could be agreements in the aerospace, agriculture, energy and industrial sectors.
But the visit also comes at a sensitive geopolitical moment. Mr Trump postponed the trip from late March, saying it would not have been appropriate to leave Washington during the war with Iran.
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US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping meet at Zhongnanhai, the headquarters of the ruling Communist Party, in Beijing. Getty Images -
Mr Trump and Mr Xi walk through Zhongnanhai Garden. Reuters -
Mr Trump and Mr Xi tour the compound. AFP -
The leaders sit down for a second day of talks. Reuters -
Mr Trump is welcomed in Beijing by 300 Chinese youths waving US and Chinese flags. Getty Images -
Mr Xi and Mr Trump arrive at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. Reuters -
The US President speaks during a state banquet hosted by Mr Xi in the Great Hall. Getty Images -
Children hold Chinese and US flags before the welcome ceremony at the Great Hall of the People. Reuters -
Mr Trump and Mr Xi with Lara Trump, the American leader's daughter in law, during their visit to the Temple of Heaven in Beijing. Getty Images -
The leaders during their visit to the Temple of Heaven in Beijing. Getty Images -
Mr Trump is shown exhibits at the temple. Getty Images -
The US President inspects an honour guard during the welcome ceremony at the Great Hall of the People. EPA -
Children wave Chinese and American flags and flowers at the welcome ceremony at the Great Hall of the People. EPA -
President Xi and President Trump during a bilateral meeting at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. AFP -
Donald Trump with Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People. AFP -
President Trump shakes hands with President Xi at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. AFP -
The two presidents during the welcome ceremony at the Great Hall of the People. Getty Images -
Children rehearse before the welcome ceremony for President Trump at the Great Hall of the People. Reuters
He is pushing China to reduce its purchases of Iranian oil as part of Washington’s broader effort to increase economic pressure on Tehran and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
China’s state-run Xinhua news agency reported that Thursday morning’s talks covered economic relations, Iran, the Strait of Hormuz, nuclear issues and Taiwan, with discussions lasting more than two hours.
A White House statement on the meeting did not mention Taiwan.
“The two sides discussed ways to enhance economic co-operation between our two countries. They agreed that the Strait of Hormuz must remain open to support the free flow of energy. Both countries agreed that Iran can never have a nuclear weapon,” a White House official said.
According to Xinhua, Mr Xi also welcomed “deeper US business participation in China’s reform and opening”.
The two leaders additionally discussed conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, as well as tension on the Korean Peninsula, the Chinese news agency said.
Mr Trump’s visit concludes on Friday with a second summit between the two leaders, followed by meetings over tea and lunch.
The US and Chinese delegations are expected to make joint announcements on trade and diplomatic co-operation before Mr Trump departs for Washington.
