Xi Warns Trump on Taiwan as U.S.-China Talks Focus on Global Tensions

Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump wrapped up the first day of high-level talks in Beijing on Thursday, with both leaders emphasizing the importance of stable relations between the world’s two largest economies while warning over growing tensions surrounding Taiwan.

Speaking during a state banquet at Beijing’s Great Hall of the People, Xi described U.S.-China relations as “the world’s most consequential relationship,” telling Trump that both countries “must make it work and never mess it up.” However, Xi also delivered a firm warning on Taiwan, calling it “the most important issue in China-U.S. relations” and cautioning that mishandling the matter could lead to a “very dangerous situation.”

Taiwan remains one of the most sensitive issues between Washington and Beijing. China claims the self-governing island as part of its territory and has vowed to reunify it with the mainland, by force if necessary. The United States maintains unofficial ties with Taiwan and continues to provide the island with defensive weapons.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio later said American policy on Taiwan remains unchanged, stressing that any forced change to the status quo would be harmful to both nations.

The talks also focused heavily on the ongoing conflict involving Iran and its impact on global energy markets. According to the White House, Trump and Xi agreed that the strategically important Strait of Hormuz must remain open and should not be militarized.

Rubio said the U.S. raised concerns about Iran’s nuclear ambitions during the discussions, though Washington did not request China’s assistance. Chinese officials reportedly reiterated their longstanding opposition to Iran obtaining nuclear weapons.

Trump was accompanied by several prominent American business leaders, including Elon Musk, Tim Cook, and Jensen Huang. During the visit, Trump said the executives had come to China to “pay respects” and strengthen business ties.

The first day of meetings also included a formal welcome ceremony, bilateral discussions, and cultural visits around Beijing. Additional meetings between the two leaders are scheduled before Trump departs China on Friday.