Chinese President Xi Jinping warned US President Donald Trump that tensions over Taiwan could push the United States and China toward conflict if the matter is not handled carefully. During bilateral talks in Beijing, Xi described Taiwan as the “most important issue in China-US relations” and stressed that stability between the two countries depends heavily on how Washington approaches the matter.

Trump began his two-day visit to China on a warm note, praising Xi and describing him as a “great leader” and “friend”. He also expressed hope for “a fantastic future together” for both nations. Xi, however, took a more measured approach during the summit. While speaking about cooperation between the two global powers, he made it clear that the Taiwan issue remains a major concern for Beijing.

“The Taiwan question is the most important issue in China-US relations,” Xi said, according to Chinese state broadcaster CCTV.

“If it is handled well, bilateral relations can remain generally stable. If mishandled, the two nations could collide or even come into conflict, pushing the entire China-US relationship into a highly perilous situation.”

Xi’s remarks came shortly after Taiwan stated that the United States had “reaffirmed its clear and firm support” for the island. China considers Taiwan a part of its territory, although the island governs itself as a democratic system. Beijing has repeatedly said it wants reunification and has not ruled out the use of force to achieve that goal.

In recent years, China has increased military activity around Taiwan. The Chinese military has conducted several large-scale exercises near the island, including blockade simulation drills. These actions have raised concerns in Taiwan and among its allies. The growing tension across the Taiwan Strait continues to remain one of the biggest security concerns in the region.

Xi also said that Taiwan’s push for independence was “fundamentally incompatible” with peace in the Taiwan Strait.

“And peace in the Strait is the greatest common ground between China and the United States,” he added.

The issue has become more sensitive because of the United States’ continued support for Taiwan. Last year, the Trump administration approved an $11 billion weapons package for Taiwan. However, the delivery process has not yet begun. Trump has also shown a less predictable stance toward Taiwan compared to previous US administrations. His approach has created questions over whether Washington could eventually reduce its support for Taipei.

Taiwan plays a major role in the global technology industry. The island is home to the world’s leading chipmakers and produces semiconductor components that are crucial for artificial intelligence and other advanced technologies. Trump has been trying to strengthen trade relations with Taiwan to encourage more chip production inside the United States.

As part of his China visit, Trump was accompanied by several major American business leaders from the technology, defence, agriculture and finance sectors. Among them was Jensen Huang, the chief executive of Nvidia. Reports said Trump personally invited Huang to join him aboard Air Force One during a refuelling stop in Alaska on the way to Beijing.

During the talks, Xi also underlined the importance of cooperation between the two nations. He said China and the United States should work together instead of treating each other as rivals.

“A stable China-US relationship is a boon for the world. Cooperation benefits both sides, while confrontation harms both. We should be partners and not rivals”, Xi said.

He added that he was “happy” to receive Trump for the American leader’s first visit to China since 2017. Xi also noted that “the world has arrived at a new crossroads.”

Trump’s visit marks the first state visit to China by a US president in nearly nine years. The summit is taking place at a time when both countries are trying to stabilise relations amid growing geopolitical tensions. The ongoing Iran conflict has also added pressure to global diplomacy and economic stability, making the Beijing meeting even more important.

The White House has indicated that Trump’s visit is focused on securing concrete outcomes. Officials suggested that there could be announcements linked to trade and business cooperation before the visit concludes. One possibility includes a Chinese commitment to purchase more American products such as soybeans, beef and aircraft.

The Trump administration is also interested in setting up a Board of Trade with China to manage long-standing commercial disputes between the two countries. Trade tensions have remained a major issue in US-China relations over the years, especially in areas linked to tariffs, technology and market access.

Despite the discussions, neither Washington nor Beijing has provided detailed information about any final agreements expected from the summit. China’s close economic relationship with Iran could also complicate diplomatic efforts during the talks.

Back in the United States, the Iran conflict continues to dominate Trump’s political agenda. Concerns over a slowing American economy are also increasing as the country moves closer to the midterm election season. Republicans are preparing to defend their control of Congress, making foreign policy and economic performance key political issues for the administration.