Xi Escalates Taiwan Warning in Trump Meeting, Raises Risk of US-China Conflict

Korea Economic Daily

Summary

Xi said during his summit with Trump that the Taiwan issue is the most important matter in bilateral relations, signaling a sharper tone.
Xi warned that mishandling the Taiwan issue could lead the US and China into conflict, putting the broader relationship in serious danger.
Taiwan's government said China's authoritarian and expansionist behavior and the People's Liberation Army's military harassment are the sources of instability, and expressed gratitude for Washington's clear and firm support.

Forecast Trend Report by Period

Chinese President Xi Jinping sharpened his rhetoric on Taiwan during a summit with US President Donald Trump, calling it the most important issue in bilateral relations.

Xinhua News Agency and other Chinese media reported on May 14 that Xi made the remarks during talks with Trump at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

"The Taiwan issue is the most important in relations between our two countries," Xi said.

He said ties could remain broadly stable if the issue is handled properly. If not, the two sides could clash or even fall into conflict, putting the broader relationship in a very dangerous situation. He also said "Taiwan independence" and stability in the Taiwan Strait are incompatible.

Trump's response to Xi's remarks has not been confirmed.

Observers in Taiwan said Xi's comments marked a tougher tone than in the past. Wang Hsin-hsien, director of the Center for International Relations at National Chengchi University, said Xi's remarks were stronger than before and went as far as mentioning "conflict." He said that carried military overtones and reflected Beijing's heightened concern over the Taiwan issue.

Taiwan's government pushed back immediately. Hsiao Kuang-wei, spokesperson for Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said Taiwan is working to maintain the status quo and prevent threats to security in the Taiwan Strait.

He said the only source of instability in the strait is China's authoritarian and expansionist behavior. Hsiao added that the Republic of China, Taiwan's official name, and the People's Republic of China are not subordinate to each other, and that Beijing has no right to speak for Taiwan internationally.

He also said the People's Liberation Army has carried out a range of gray-zone tactics and military harassment near the Taiwan Strait.

Michelle Lee, spokesperson for Taiwan's cabinet, told reporters that the US has repeatedly reaffirmed its clear and firm support for Taiwan. She said the government was very grateful for that backing.

Han Kyung-woo, Hankyung.com reporter, case@hankyung.com