China's President Xi Jinping has warned of 'clashes and even conflicts' with the United States over Taiwan during a two-hour meeting with Donald Trump in Beijing. Xi described Taiwan as 'the most important issue in China-US relations', according to a readout from China's foreign ministry. China claims Taiwan as part of its territory and has made unification a core priority.
Trump later said Xi had pledged 'strongly' not to send weapons to Iran, despite recent reports that Chinese arms manufacturers had discussed deals to supply Tehran. 'He said he's not going to give military equipment, that's a big statement,' Trump told reporters. Xi also indicated China could buy more oil from the US to lessen dependence on Iran, and both sides agreed the Strait of Hormuz must remain open.
The discussions also touched on the Ukraine conflict, issues on the Korean peninsula, market access for US firms in China, and fentanyl controls, though the latter two were absent from the Chinese readout. The White House noted agreement on keeping the Strait of Hormuz open for energy flows.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio later said the US position on Taiwan was unchanged. 'They always raise it on their side. We always make clear our position, and we move on to the other topics,' he told NBC News. Human rights are not expected to feature prominently in the summit, given Trump's hostility to the concept, according to observers.
The two leaders met at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, with a ceremonial welcome including a marching band and children waving flags. Xi noted that 2026 marks 250 years of US independence and stressed the need for stable ties. Trump called Xi a 'great leader' and said they had known each other for a long time.
