US2 min(s) read
Published 09:25 14 May 2026 GMT
China has delivered a serious warning to the United States over the future of Taiwan during Donald Trump’s high-profile visit to Beijing.
The trip marked Trump’s first visit to China in nearly a decade, where he was greeted by Chinese president Xi Jinping with a lavish welcome ceremony and a friendly handshake.
The two leaders exchanged compliments early in their meeting, with Trump praising Xi’s leadership.
“You’re a great leader,” Trump told him, adding: “Sometimes people don’t like me saying it, but I say it anyway, because it’s true.”
He also described the meeting warmly, saying: “It’s an honor to be with you.
"It’s an honor to be your friend.”
He then promised that that 'the relationship between China and the USA is going to be better than ever before.'
However, the friendly tone quickly shifted as discussions turned to Taiwan, one of the most sensitive issues in China-US relations.
Although Taiwan operates as a self-governing nation, Beijing insists the island is part of the People’s Republic of China and has repeatedly pushed for reunification.
The issue remains politically complicated internationally, with the US maintaining a delicate position.
Washington does not officially recognize Taiwan as an independent country, but it has also refused to support any attempt by China to seize the island by force.
The Trump administration has additionally approved an $11 billion weapons package for Taiwan, a move that has angered Beijing.
Speaking on the issue, Xi reportedly warned: “The Taiwan question is the most important issue in China-US relations.”
He added that if the matter is 'mishandled,' the consequences could be severe.
“If mishandled, the two nations could collide or even come into conflict, pushing the entire China-US relationship into a highly perilous situation,” Xi warned.
Chinese state media outlet Xinhua also quoted Xi as saying tensions over Taiwan could push relations between the two global powers into 'a very dangerous place.'
Despite the warning, Xi stressed that cooperation between the world’s two biggest powers remained essential.
“Cooperation benefits both sides, while confrontation harms both,” he said.
“The two countries should be partners rather than rivals, achieve success together and pursue common prosperity, and chart a correct path for major-country relations in the new era.”
Trump’s state visit is scheduled to conclude tomorrow, May 15.
