Xi warns Trump Taiwan could spark conflict as summit opens in Beijing

Direct warning on Taiwan

Speaking at a welcome ceremony, Xi described Taiwan as “the most important issue in China-US relations,” and cautioned that “if mishandled, the two nations could collide or even come into conflict, pushing the entire China-US relationship into a highly perilous situation,” according to state broadcaster CCTV.

Warm ceremony, sober message

President Trump received a red-carpet welcome at the Great Hall of the People, complete with a military band, gun salute and schoolchildren chanting “welcome!” Trump praised his host during the arrival, calling Xi a “great leader” and “friend” and saying the relationship between the two countries was “going to be better than ever before.”

Ancient lesson invoked

Xi referenced the so-called Thucydides Trap, asking whether China and the United States could “transcend the so-called ‘Thucydides Trap’ and forge a new paradigm for major-power relations,” and adding that “cooperation benefits both sides, while confrontation harms both.”

Rows on trade, Taiwan and Iran on the agenda

The visit is the first by a US president in nearly a decade and comes against a backdrop of unresolved tensions, including a trade war that flared in 2025 and tit-for-tat levies that at times exceeded 100 percent.

Trade negotiations are high on Trump’s list, with agriculture, aircraft and other business deals expected to be discussed. The leaders are due to consider extending a one-year tariff truce they reached in October.

Taiwan and arms sales

Taiwan remains a longstanding point of contention. The United States recognises Beijing but under domestic law provides weapons to Taiwan so it can defend itself, while China has not ruled out using force and has increased military pressure around the island.

Trump said he would raise US arms sales to Taiwan with Xi, a move the article noted would be a departure from past US practice of not consulting Beijing on such support.

Iran complicates talks

The Iran war was listed as a new complication that weakened Trump’s negotiating position and had already forced him to postpone his trip from March. Trump said he expected a “long talk” with Xi about Iran, but also said, “I don’t think we need any help with Iran” from Beijing.

Business delegation and optics

Senior US business figures accompanied Trump. Nvidia’s Jensen Huang and Tesla’s Elon Musk stood on the Great Hall steps during the welcome. Musk told reporters the meeting had been “wonderful,” while Huang said the two presidents “were incredible.”

Other issues to watch

Officials are also expected to address China’s controls on rare earth exports and competition in artificial intelligence, alongside ongoing tariff and trade disputes.

Later on Thursday, Trump was scheduled to attend a state banquet with Xi and visit the historic Temple of Heaven.