Donald Trump and Xi Jinping held unexpectedly long talks in Beijing, discussing Taiwan, trade and US business access as tensions between the world’s two biggest powers remain high.
WEBDESK – MediaBites News
BEIJING: Chinese President Xi Jinping reportedly warned U.S. President Donald Trump that the Taiwan issue could push China and the United States toward direct conflict during high-level talks in Beijing that lasted more than two hours.
The extended meeting between the two leaders exceeded expectations and highlighted the seriousness of discussions surrounding trade, technology, military tensions and Taiwan.
According to reports from Beijing, Xi urged Trump to delay or reduce American arms sales to Taiwan — the self-governed island claimed by China as part of its territory.
Taiwan remains one of the most sensitive issues in US-China relations.
Beijing considers Taiwan a breakaway province and has repeatedly vowed to bring it under Chinese control, refusing to rule out the use of force. In recent years, China has intensified military drills around the island, including exercises simulating blockades of Taiwanese ports.
While Washington officially follows the “One China” policy recognizing Beijing as China’s sole government, the United States maintains unofficial ties with Taiwan and is legally obligated to help the island defend itself.
Last year, the Trump administration announced an $11 billion weapons package for Taiwan, angering Beijing. Reports suggest formal approval of the package remains under discussion and may have featured prominently during Trump’s talks with Xi.
At the same time, Trump arrived in China with CEOs from nearly 30 major American technology companies, hoping to secure greater access for U.S. businesses in the Chinese market.
The U.S. president has repeatedly emphasized economic cooperation and trade opportunities during the visit.
Following the meeting, Trump appeared in high spirits as Xi personally accompanied him on a tour of Beijing’s historic Temple of Heaven — a 15th-century imperial complex where Chinese emperors once prayed for prosperous harvests.
Standing beside Xi, Trump praised the Chinese leader and described the discussions as “great.”
“China’s beautiful,” Trump told reporters during the visit, while avoiding direct answers to repeated questions regarding Taiwan.
According to journalists traveling with the delegation, Trump smiled and complimented the location as reporters repeatedly attempted to ask whether Taiwan had been discussed during the private talks.
Xi reportedly remained silent during those exchanges.
Analysts say the summit reflects a delicate balancing act between cooperation and confrontation as both countries attempt to manage growing economic interdependence alongside deepening geopolitical rivalry.
Trade, artificial intelligence, military tensions and regional security are expected to remain central topics as discussions continue between the two sides.
