Xi Warns Trump on Taiwan as China-US Summit Opens in Beijing
Chinese President Xi Jinping has warned U.S. President Donald Trump that mishandling the Taiwan issue could push China-US relations into a “very dangerous place,” as both leaders began high-level talks in Beijing on Thursday.
Speaking during their meeting at the Great Hall of the People, Xi described Taiwan as the “most important issue” in relations between the world’s two largest economies and stressed that both countries must “jointly answer the questions of the times.”
Xi also expressed hope that 2026 would become a “historic and landmark year” for bilateral ties, according to Chinese state media.
Trump, who arrived in Beijing on Wednesday night, said he was looking forward to a “big discussion” with the Chinese leader as both sides prepared for multiple rounds of talks scheduled for Thursday and Friday.
Key issues on the agenda include Taiwan, trade and tariffs, artificial intelligence, semiconductor technology, rare earth minerals, supply chains, and conflicts in Iran and the wider Middle East.
The summit comes at a time of heightened global economic uncertainty linked to tensions in West Asia and disruptions in global energy markets.
Taiwan remained central to the diplomatic messaging ahead of the talks. Taiwan cabinet spokesperson Michelle Lee said Taipei appreciated Washington’s repeated assurances of “firm support” for the island.
Xi personally welcomed Trump at the Great Hall of the People, introducing him to senior Chinese officials before both leaders inspected a guard of honour ahead of formal discussions.
Trump also received an unusually high-level reception on arrival in Beijing, where Chinese Vice President Han Zheng greeted him at the airport — a gesture observers said reflected the importance Beijing attached to the visit.
The U.S. president was accompanied by several prominent business executives and family members, including Elon Musk, Tim Cook, Jensen Huang and Larry Fink.
Ahead of the talks, Trump said he would press China to further open its economy to American companies.
In a social media post before the meeting, Trump described Xi as “a Leader of extraordinary distinction” and said expanding business access for U.S. firms would be his “very first request” during the visit.
The presence of Nvidia chief Jensen Huang in the delegation drew particular attention amid intensifying competition between Washington and Beijing over artificial intelligence and advanced semiconductor technology.
China has been seeking broader access to cutting-edge chips needed for AI development, while the United States has focused on securing supplies of rare-earth minerals essential for electronics and aircraft manufacturing.
Reports also indicated that Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng and U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent recently concluded another round of trade negotiations in South Korea ahead of the summit.
Trump’s itinerary in Beijing also includes a visit to the Temple of Heaven, a historic imperial site traditionally associated with prayers for good harvests.
Before leaving Washington, Trump said trade would dominate discussions with Xi and suggested both countries could announce agreements involving American food exports and aircraft purchases.
The two sides are also expected to discuss plans for a bilateral trade board aimed at managing economic disputes and reducing tensions.
Global attention, however, remains focused on whether the summit could help ease tensions surrounding Iran and the Strait of Hormuz.
