Xi warns Trump: Taiwan is the "most important issue"

• Chinese President Xi Jinping told US President Donald Trump that the US and China could "collide or even come into conflict" if the Taiwan issue is mishandled.
• The Chinese Foreign Ministry emphasized the necessity of building a "stable and strategic" relationship.
• Beijing reaffirmed its "consistent and clear" opposition to US arms sales to Taiwan.

In high-stakes bilateral talks held Thursday morning at the Great Hall of the People, Chinese President Xi Jinping warned US  President Donald Trump regarding the status of Taiwan.

According to a statement from the Chinese Foreign Ministry, Xi characterized the Taiwan question as the "most important issue" in the US-China relationship and the "biggest risk factor" that could push both nations toward open conflict.

Xi emphasized that while Beijing is open to a "constructive strategic relationship," the US must exercise "extra caution."

The Chinese side specifically reiterated its unwavering rejection of US arms sales to Taiwan, a point of contention that has intensified following reports of a pending $14 billion American weapons package.

"Strategic Ship"

Despite the sharp rhetoric on Taiwan, the Chinese Foreign Ministry expressed a desire to move beyond the recent trade war.

Xi spoke of the need to steer the "giant ship of China-US relations" toward stability, aiming to avoid the so-called "Thucydides Trap" - the historical tendency for rising and ruling powers to fall into war.

The two leaders reportedly agreed to:

• Establish a new framework: A "constructive strategic and stable relationship" intended to provide guidance for the next three years.
• Expand cooperation: Targeted growth in agriculture, health, tourism, and law enforcement.
• Support global forums: Mutual backing for the successful hosting of this year’s APEC and G20 summits.

Iran-Middle East file

Confidentiality shrouds Trump-Xi talks as Middle East and Iran dominate the agenda.

Despite the official pomp of the state visit, a veil of strict confidentiality has descended over the private deliberations between Trump and Xi regarding the ongoing war in Iran and broader Middle East instability.

Conflicting reports have emerged from sources, with some suggesting a breakthrough on maritime security in the Persian Gulf, while others indicate a deadlock over US sanctions.

As the Iran war enters a critical phase, the lack of a public joint statement on the conflict suggests that while both leaders are eager for stability, the path to a shared diplomatic solution remains fraught with strategic disagreement.