"Xi told Trump that mishandling Taiwan could lead to collision or even conflict, pushing the entire China-US relationship into an extremely dangerous place. The remarks came during a closed-door meeting of the leaders of the world’s two largest economies that lasted more than two hours. The warning stood out during an otherwise friendly and relaxed occasion, while the US summary of the talks did not mention Taiwan."
"Taiwan has long been a flashpoint in the US-China relationship, with Beijing refusing to rule out the use of military force to gain control of the island and the US bound by law to provide Taipei with the means to defend itself. US secretary of state Marco Rubio confirmed to NBC that the issue of Taiwan was discussed. Rubio said the Chinese always raise it on their side, the US makes clear its position, and then they move on to other topics."
"The US summary of the talks focused on the leaders’ shared desire to reopen the key waterway of the Strait of Hormuz, effectively closed due to the Iran war. The summary also noted Xi’s apparent interest in buying American oil to reduce China’s dependence on Middle East supplies. With Trump’s approval ratings dented by a war with Iran that shows no signs of abating, the first visit by a US president to China in nearly a decade has taken on added significance as he searches for economic wins."
Xi told Trump that mishandling Taiwan could cause collision or conflict and place US-China relations in an extremely dangerous position. Taiwan remains a major flashpoint because Beijing refuses to rule out military force and the US is legally bound to help Taiwan defend itself. Rubio confirmed that Taiwan was discussed, noting that China raises it and the US reiterates its position before moving to other topics. The talks also focused on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, which has been effectively closed due to the Iran war. Xi showed interest in buying American oil to reduce China’s dependence on Middle East supplies. Trump sought economic wins during a visit with added significance amid ongoing conflict with Iran.
Read at Irish Independent
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