Xi warns Taiwan issue could trigger conflict as Trump begins high-stakes China visit
By Sabeeh Zanair :
Chinese President Xi Jinping warned that tensions over Taiwan could push China and the United States towards confrontation as he opened talks with US President Donald Trump during a closely watched summit in Beijing on Thursday.
The warning came at the start of Trump’s first visit to China in nearly a decade, with both leaders attempting to manage an increasingly complex relationship shaped by trade disputes, military tensions and growing strategic rivalry.
Despite the ceremonial welcome laid on for the US president at Beijing’s Great Hall of the People, Xi delivered a firm message on what Beijing considers its most sensitive geopolitical issue.
“The Taiwan question is the most important issue in China-US relations,” Xi said, according to Chinese state media. He warned that if the matter was mishandled, the two countries could “collide or even come into conflict”, placing bilateral ties in a “highly perilous situation”.
Taiwan remains a major point of tension between Beijing and Washington. China views the self-governing democratic island as part of its territory and has repeatedly vowed to bring it under its control, while the United States continues to provide military and political support to Taipei.
Trump arrived in Beijing striking a warmer tone, describing Xi as a “great leader” and “friend” and expressing optimism about future relations between the world’s two largest economies.
“The relationship between China and the USA is going to be better than ever before,” Trump said during the opening events.
The US president was greeted with a lavish state reception that included a military band, gun salute and schoolchildren waving flags and chanting greetings as he entered the Great Hall of the People.
However, behind the pageantry, both sides face a series of unresolved disputes that continue to strain relations between China and the United States.
Xi referenced the “Thucydides Trap” — a theory suggesting that conflict can emerge when a rising power challenges an established one — as he urged cooperation over confrontation.
“A stable China-US relationship is a boon for the world,” Xi said, adding that the two nations should act as “partners and not rivals”.
Trade is expected to dominate much of the discussions, with Trump seeking greater access for American companies and exports in the Chinese market. A large delegation of US business executives accompanied the president to Beijing, including Elon Musk, Jensen Huang and Tim Cook.
Ahead of the visit, Trump said he would press China to further open its markets to American businesses. The summit is also expected to focus heavily on extending a temporary tariff truce agreed by both leaders during their previous meeting in South Korea last year.
The trade war between the two countries escalated sharply after sweeping US tariffs triggered retaliatory Chinese levies, with duties on some goods rising above 100%. Analysts say both governments are now seeking ways to stabilise economic relations without appearing politically weak at home.
Another major issue hanging over the talks is the conflict involving Iran. Trump said he expected to hold lengthy discussions with Xi about Tehran, particularly given China’s role as the largest buyer of Iranian oil despite US sanctions.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington hoped Beijing would play a more active role in persuading Iran to ease tensions in the Gulf region.
Technology competition is also expected to feature prominently during the summit, with disputes over artificial intelligence, semiconductor exports and rare earth minerals increasingly shaping strategic rivalry between the two powers.
Meanwhile, in a move viewed as a possible goodwill gesture ahead of negotiations, China renewed export licences for hundreds of US beef processing plants after many licences had expired over the past year.
Analysts said the decision could signal Beijing’s willingness to ease pressure in selected trade sectors as negotiations continue.
Experts say both sides are likely to emerge from the summit claiming diplomatic progress while attempting to prevent further deterioration in relations that could have wide-ranging consequences for the global economy and international security.
Trump is also expected to seek confirmation of a reciprocal visit by Xi to the United States later in 2026, which would underline the continuing importance both leaders place on maintaining direct communication despite growing geopolitical tensions.
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