Chicago – May 14, 2026
Chinese President Xi Jinping has warned U.S. President Donald Trump that mishandling the Taiwan issue could push bilateral relations into a “very dangerous place,” underscoring the flashpoint at the opening of their Beijing summit on Thursday.
Xi described Taiwan as “the most important issue” in China–U.S. relations and stressed that Beijing views the island as part of its territory that cannot be separated.
According to Chinese state media summaries, Xi told Trump that poorly managed approaches to Taiwan could lead to clashes or even conflict between the two powers, jeopardizing the broader relationship.
The remarks, delivered during the first of two‑day talks, came amid Beijing’s repeated calls for Washington to curb arms sales to Taiwan and avoid any moves toward formal recognition of the island.
