Xi Jinping Warns Trump: Taiwan Mishandled Could Push US-China Relations Into ‘Highly Perilous’ Territory
Taiwan dominated a significant portion of Thursday’s bilateral meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump in Beijing, with Xi issuing a direct warning about the consequences of American interference in the dispute.
According to Chinese state broadcaster CCTV, Xi told Trump that the Taiwan issue is “the most important issue” in the bilateral relationship. He warned that if it is “mishandled, the two nations could collide or even come into conflict, pushing the entire China-US relationship into a highly perilous situation.”
Xi also framed the stakes in broader terms, stating that safeguarding peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait represents the biggest common denominator between the two countries. He was unequivocal on Beijing’s red line: “Taiwan independence and cross-Strait peace are as irreconcilable as fire and water.”
The warning lands against a specific backdrop. In December 2025, the Trump administration approved an $11 billion weapons package for Taiwan. Under existing US law, Washington is obligated to provide Taiwan with the means to defend itself, despite the absence of formal diplomatic ties between the two sides.
Taipei’s Response
As the two leaders met in Beijing, Taiwan’s cabinet spokeswoman Michelle Lee told reporters that the United States has expressed “clear and firm support” for the island. “The US side has repeatedly reaffirmed its clear and firm support for Taiwan,” Lee said.
Taiwan President Lai Ching-te told reporters separately that Washington and Taipei maintain close communication at all times, and that Trump reiterated the US’ long-held stance on Taiwan — grounded in the Taiwan Relations Act and the Six Assurances — during his most recent call with Xi. “Taiwan-US relations are rock-solid, and all ongoing cooperation projects are continuing,” Lai said. A White House official was quoted by CNA confirming that US policy on Taiwan has not changed.
Xi’s Earlier Warning to Trump
Thursday’s remarks are not the first time Xi has raised the Taiwan issue directly with Trump. In a telephonic conversation in February, Xi urged the US to handle arms sales to Taiwan “with prudence” and described the Taiwan question as the “most important issue” in bilateral relations. On the $11 billion arms package specifically, Xi said Washington should exercise “utmost caution.” He also stated that China will “never allow Taiwan to be separated” from the mainland and is committed to safeguarding its territorial integrity.
Taiwan’s Deputy Foreign Minister Chen Ming-chi had said at the time that Taipei was not overly concerned about the phone call, telling AFP: “We don’t worry too much about this whole telephone communication. In fact, we believe that it will contribute to stabilise the situation.”