USA Trump-Xi summit: warm words - and a warning
China's head of state Xi Jinping has used US President Donald Trump's visit to Beijing to issue a warning to the USA about Taiwan. At the start of the state visit, which lasted several days, both sides sought a more stable relationship between the world's largest economies. At the same time, according to the state news agency Xinhua, Xi made it clear that if the Taiwan issue was handled badly, it would lead to tensions or even conflict between the two countries. This could put relations between China and the USA in an "extremely dangerous situation", he said.
14.05.2026, 04:40
14.05.2026, 12:46
SDA
China claims the island state for itself, but it has been governed independently and democratically for decades. Internationally, there have long been fears that the People's Republic could annex the island. The USA plays an important role in relation to Taiwan - partly because it supplies Taiwan with weapons despite Beijing's strong criticism. While Xi's statements on Taiwan leaked out, it initially remained unclear whether and what Trump would say in response. The topic of Taiwan did not appear in a White House statement on the Trump visit.
Taiwan responded to the warning. "China's military threats are the only source of instability in the Taiwan Strait and the wider Indo-Pacific," said government spokeswoman Michelle Lee in Taipei. Taiwan was in close contact with the USA. Washington has repeatedly reaffirmed its clear and firm support for Taiwan.
Trump calls Xi a "friend"
Trump's second state visit as US President - he had already visited China once before in 2017 - was actually characterized by many warm words and an impressive backdrop. Xi received Trump with military honors at the Great Hall of the People in the heart of the Chinese capital. The imposing building traditionally serves the government as a reception and event venue for political events. The two shook hands for a long time. Trump also applauded children who were jumping and cheering as they held up small US flags and flowers. He later said that he had found the children "great".
The US president praised the host as a "great leader". "Sometimes people don't like it when I say that, but I say it anyway because it's true," Trump continued. "It's an honor to be your friend."
Fierce trade conflict
The world's two largest economies are locked in a bitter trade dispute. Host Xi said he was convinced that the common interests between the USA and China were greater than their differences. The respective success of both countries is an opportunity for the other, said Xi. Trump had triggered a tariff dispute last year, which escalated. A Xi-Trump meeting in South Korea in the fall brought a temporary pause in tariffs. However, the big deal did not materialize at the time.
High-ranking US business representatives talk to Beijing
The US president was accompanied by a large business delegation, including tech billionaire Elon Musk and Apple CEO Tim Cook. The head of chip manufacturer Nvidia, Jensen Huang, was also present. The semiconductors produced by the company are considered particularly important for the development of artificial intelligence. Speaking to journalists, Nvidia boss Huang described the summit as "one of the most important in human history".
Iran war was a topic
The Iran war was also a topic of discussion. The USA has long hoped for help from China in securing the Strait of Hormuz, which is important for the transportation of oil and liquid gas. China is normally the largest buyer of Iranian oil. So far, however, no help has been forthcoming. According to the statement from the White House, both sides are said to have agreed that the strait must remain open for the transportation of energy. Xi is said to have made clear China's rejection of the militarization of the Strait and is also against charges for passage. He is also said to have shown interest in buying more American oil.
Xi: Be a partner and not an opponent
Xi told Trump that stable Sino-American relations were "good for the world". Both sides should be partners and not opponents. He also raised the question of whether China and the USA could create a "new model for relations between great powers". Xi placed the relationship between the two countries in the context of a potentially dangerous rivalry: he addressed the "Thucydides Trap", named after an ancient Greek historian. This refers to the danger of an emerging power and an established leading power entering into a dangerous confrontation.
