Xi warns Trump over Taiwan, says differences could lead to clash

"Xi said his country was committed to building a "relationship of strategic stability" with the U.S. Taiwan "the most important issue" for Xi At the summit, Xi placed Taiwan, a key point of friction between the U.S. and China, at the center, calling it "the most important issue" between the two countries. Taiwan is a self-governing island that Beijing claims as its own territory, and it has refused to rule out taking it by force."

"Xi warned the U.S. "must exercise extra caution in handling the Taiwan question." "If it is handled properly, the bilateral relationship will enjoy overall stability," Xi told Trump. "Otherwise, the two countries will have clashes and even conflicts, putting the entire relationship in great jeopardy." "'Taiwan independence' and cross-Strait peace are as irreconcilable as fire and water," Xi"

"As he embarked on the visit, Trump was met with a ceremony that featured an honor guard as well as a crowd of children waving Chinese and American flags. "The relationship between China and the USA is going to be better than ever before," Trump said, making his opening remarks in the Great Hall of the People."

"Washington continues to sell arms to Taiwan, but has also long adopted a policy of strategic ambiguity over whether it would militarily come to Taiwan's defense. In December, the State Department approved a record $11 billion in arms sales to the island but has yet to deliver the package."

Trump met Xi Jinping in Beijing for a highly staged summit. Trump said the China-U.S. relationship would be better than ever. Xi emphasized building a relationship of strategic stability and named Taiwan as the most important issue. Taiwan is a self-governing democracy that Beijing claims and has not renounced unifying by force. The U.S. sells arms to Taiwan and maintains strategic ambiguity about military defense. The State Department approved $11 billion in arms sales in December, with delivery pending. Xi warned the U.S. to exercise extra caution on Taiwan, saying proper handling would support overall stability, while mishandling could lead to clashes and conflicts jeopardizing the relationship.

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