Chinese President Xi Jinping warned Donald Trump of 'clashes and even conflicts' between their nations over Taiwan during a two-hour meeting in Beijing. Xi stated that Taiwan is 'the most important issue in China-US relations,' according to China's foreign ministry.
Trump later told reporters that Xi pledged 'strongly' not to send military equipment to Iran, despite recent US intelligence reports that Chinese arms manufacturers had discussed supplying shoulder-fired missiles to Tehran via third countries. China has denied the allegations. Xi reportedly said China buys oil from Iran and wants the Strait of Hormuz to remain open.
The summit, overshadowed by US strikes against Iran in February, also covered the Ukraine conflict, the Korean peninsula, and market access for US firms in China. The White House noted discussions on fentanyl controls and agreed that the Strait of Hormuz must stay open, with Xi indicating China could buy more US oil to reduce dependence on Iran.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington's position on Taiwan remains unchanged. Human rights and climate change, typically part of US-China talks, were not expected to feature prominently. Trump and Xi observed an opening ceremony with a military band and children waving flags, with Trump calling Xi a 'great leader.'
