Chinese President Xi Jinpingwarned President Donald Trump that how Taiwan is handled could affect the relationship between the U.S. and China.
āSafeguarding peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait is the biggest common denominator between China and the U.S.,ā Xi told Trump, ministry spokesperson Mao Ning posted on X.
Mao added Xi āstressedā to Trump that the āTaiwan questionā is the āmost important issueā in relations between the two countries. He warned Trump if it is not handled properly āthe entire relationshipā could be put āin jeopardy.ā
āāTaiwan independenceā and cross-Strait peace are as irreconcilable as fire and water. Safeguarding peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait is the biggest common denominator between China and the U.S.,ā the spokesperson wrote.
The White Houseās readout of the meeting did not mention Taiwan, The Hillreported.
Trump answer questions from reporters on Taiwan when he arrived at the meeting.
Going into the summit, Xi is widely expected to use trade talks as a source of leverage to shift Washingtonās position on Taipei.
China has viewed the island as its own, while the U.S. has not recognized Beijingās claim. Washington has not recognized Taiwanās independence, either.
Trump is facing pressure from both Republicans and Democrats to tell Xi Washingtonās support for Taiwan is nonnegotiable.
A group of eight Republican and Democratic senators called on Trump to make clear to Xi that Washingtonās support for Taipei is āinviolable.
They urged Trump to move ahead with a $14 billion U.S. arms sale to Taiwan.
