Xi warns Taiwan tensions could destabilize US-China ties

Chinese President Xi Jinping cautioned that relations between China and the United States could face serious instability if disagreements over Taiwan continue to escalate. Speaking during meetings with US President Donald Trump in Beijing, Xi said the future of bilateral ties would largely depend on how Washington approaches the Taiwan question, which Beijing considers a core national interest.

Taiwan emerges as key issue in summit talks

Addressing Trump at the Great Hall of the People, Xi described Taiwan as the most critical and politically sensitive topic between the two global powers. According to Chinese state media, the Chinese leader warned that failure to manage the issue carefully could push relations toward confrontation and broader conflict.

Xi also argued that maintaining peace in the Taiwan Strait is incompatible with efforts supporting Taiwanese independence. Beijing has repeatedly insisted that Taiwan is part of China under the “One China” principle, while the United States continues military and political engagement with Taipei.

Strategic tensions continue between Beijing and Washington

The Taiwan issue has remained one of the main sources of friction between China and the US in recent years, alongside disputes over trade, technology, military influence and the South China Sea. Washington maintains unofficial relations with Taiwan and regularly approves arms sales to the island, moves that Beijing strongly opposes.

Analysts say rising tensions in East Asia are being closely monitored across global markets and diplomatic circles, due to concerns over supply chains, semiconductor production and regional security. Taiwan plays a central role in global technology manufacturing, making stability in the Taiwan Strait a major international concern.

China calls for stability in bilateral relations

Xi emphasized that preventing instability across the Taiwan Strait should remain a shared objective for both governments. Chinese officials have increasingly warned against foreign involvement in Taiwan-related affairs, arguing that external pressure risks undermining regional peace.

The Beijing summit between Trump and Xi comes amid broader geopolitical tensions involving the Middle East, trade disputes and global economic uncertainty. Despite differences, both sides have signaled interest in maintaining dialogue to avoid further deterioration in US-China relations.