Xi Warns Trump Over Taiwan Differences 05/14 06:08

   China's Xi Jinping warned President Donald Trump on Thursday that the two 
countries could clash over Taiwan if the issue was not handled properly, an 
unusually harsh admonition that stood in contrast to the American leader's 
praise for his counterpart.

   BEIJING (AP) -- China's Xi Jinping warned President Donald Trump on Thursday 
that the two countries could clash over Taiwan if the issue was not handled 
properly, an unusually harsh admonition that stood in contrast to the American 
leader's praise for his counterpart.

   The exchange at a highly anticipated summit in Beijing underscored just how 
far apart Trump and Xi remain on thorny issues, including the war in Iran, 
trade disputes and Washington's relations with Taiwan, which is self-ruled but 
which China claims as part of its territory.

   It also suggested that Trump's three-day visit to China is likely to be 
longer on pageantry and symbolism than substantive political or economic 
breakthroughs.

   The pair met for about two hours behind closed doors at the Great Hall of 
the People after an elaborate welcome ceremony featuring booming cannons, a 
band playing "The Star-Spangled Banner" and China's national anthem, and 
hundreds of school children waving flowers and American and Chinese flags.

   According to a post on X by Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning, 
Xi told Trump that "the Taiwan question is the most important issue in 
China-U.S. relations."

   "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," she wrote.

   That came after a brief public exchange before the meeting began in which 
Trump offered platitudes, telling Xi: "You're a great leader. Sometimes people 
don't like me saying it, but I say it anyway, because it's true."

   "It's an honor to be your friend," Trump said before promising that "the 
relationship between China and the USA is going to be better than ever before."

   Xi was far more stark than Trump in his opening remarks, expressing hope 
that the U.S. and China could avoid conflict and asking "whether the two 
countries can transcend the 'Thucydides Trap' and forge a new model for 
relations between major powers."

   That's a term, popular in foreign policy studies, that refers to the idea 
that when a rising power threatens to displace an established power, the result 
is often war. Xi's use of the term as Trump offered optimism was noteworthy and 
foreshadowed his closed-door comments about Taiwan.

   Xi nonetheless struck a more conciliatory tone when describing the overall 
relationship. "Cooperation benefits both sides, while confrontation harms 
both," Xi said. "The two countries should be partners rather than rivals."

   The leaders emphasized the importance of China-US relations

   After their meeting, Xi took Trump on a tour of Beijing Temple of Heaven, 
and hosted a state banquet for him in the evening. The Chinese leader used his 
toast to note that he and Trump had kept U.S.-China relations "generally 
stable," but that "the world today is changing and turbulent."

   Xi also referenced Trump's "Make America Great Again" movement and noted 
that "our two countries should be partners rather than rivals."

   Trump, in his toast, again called Xi "my friend" and said his visit had been 
"a great honor" punctuated by a "fantastic" first full day. He said matters 
"all good for the United States and China" were discussed Thursday "and it was 
a great honor to be with you."

   Trump also announced that Xi would make a reciprocal visit to the White 
House on Sept. 24 -- a date not previously announced.

   That positive tone also was reflected in the White House assessment in the 
earlier closed-door meetings, which said both leaders had touched on ways to 
enhance economic cooperation, including expanding market access for American 
businesses into China and increasing Chinese investment into U.S. industries.

   That assessment didn't mention Taiwan directly, but, in relation to Iran, 
said both sides had agreed that the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial waterway for 
oil and natural gas, must remain open. The strait's closure has stranded 
tankers and caused energy prices to spike, threatening global economic growth.

   The war and its effects are dominating Trump's domestic agenda and stoking 
fears about the prospect of a weakening U.S. economy as November's midterm 
elections -- when Republicans will be looking to maintain control of Congress 
-- approach.

   China is the largest purchaser of Iranian oil, and U.S. Secretary of State 
Marco Rubio said in an interview with Fox News' Sean Hannity that Trump would 
make the case for Beijing to exert its influence on Iran, noting that 
administration officials would underscore that "economies are melting down 
because of this crisis," which means consumers are "buying less Chinese 
product."

   It's not clear if Trump persuaded Xi to wield his influence. The White House 
said Xi opposed to any implementation of tolls on vessels crossing the strait 
and expressed interest in China potentially purchasing more U.S. oil to reduce 
Chinese dependence on Gulf oil in the future.

   Taiwan issues remain contentious

   Xi's warning about Taiwan reflects China's displeasure with a U.S. plan to 
sell weapons to the island. The Trump administration has approved an $11 
billion arms package for Taiwan, but has yet to begin fulfilling it.

   The U.S. has a longstanding commitment to help the island defend itself if 
attacked, but Trump has shown greater ambivalence toward Taiwan, fueling 
speculation about whether the president could be persuaded to dial back 
American support.

   Taiwan, meanwhile, said it was grateful for Washington's "long-term support."

   "The government views all actions that contribute to regional stability and 
the management of potential risks from authoritarian expansion positively," 
Michelle Lee, a spokesperson for Taiwan's premier, told reporters. She added 
that the U.S. "has also repeatedly reiterated its firm and clear position of 
support for Taiwan."

   US still hopes to secure trade wins

   The White House has insisted that Trump wouldn't be making the trip without 
an eye toward securing results before he leaves, suggesting there could be 
announcements coming on trade.

   That could include a Chinese commitment to buy U.S. soybeans, beef and 
aircraft. Trump administration officials also want to work toward establishing 
a Board of Trade with China to address commercial differences between the 
countries.

   The leaders discussed trade on Thursday, with Xi saying that China's door of 
opportunity will open wider. Xi also met with a collection of U.S. business 
leaders who accompanied Trump to China.

   But neither side has yet offered concrete details on what might come out of 
Trump's trip at a time when Beijing's close economic ties to Iran could 
complicate matters.

   George Chen, a partner at The Asia Group consultancy, said Xi has made his 
"'red line' crystal clear" on Taiwan. But Chen said Xi also signaled a 
welcoming tone on the economic front and a desire to ensure the U.S. business 
community that China is a place where profits can flow.

   The U.S. and China reached a trade truce last year that calmed each side's 
threats to impose steep tariffs on the other. The White House says there have 
been ongoing discussions and mutual interest in extending the agreement.

   The leaders also discussed further stemming the flow of fentanyl precursor 
chemicals into the United States, and increasing Chinese purchases of U.S. 
agricultural products, according to the White House.