Photo: KENNY HOLSTON / AFP / Getty Images
U.S. President Donald Trump met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on Thursday (May 14) to discuss the future of U.S.-China relations. Xi hailed the relationship as the world's most consequential, emphasizing the need to "make it work and never mess it up." However, he issued a stern warning about Taiwan, stating that mishandling the issue could lead to conflict.
During the summit, Trump praised Xi as a "great leader" and expressed optimism about future cooperation. The two leaders discussed various topics, including the war in Iran, trade, and technology. Xi stressed that Taiwan is the most critical issue in China-U.S. relations and cautioned that any missteps could push the countries into a perilous situation.
Xi's remarks were echoed by Chinese state media shortly after the talks began. Trump, seeking economic wins amid a war with Iran, expressed confidence in the summit's potential impact, describing it as possibly the "biggest summit ever."
The leaders also agreed on the importance of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open, a vital chokepoint for the oil trade.
Despite the Taiwan issue, both leaders highlighted the significance of their bilateral relationship. Xi noted the historical ties between the two nations and expressed a desire for cooperation. Trump extended an invitation for Xi to visit the White House in September, underscoring the importance of maintaining stable relations.
The summit did not yield significant breakthroughs on divisive issues. However, the discussions on trade and economic cooperation were seen as steps toward enhancing the relationship. The White House stated that both sides agreed on the need for open dialogue and cooperation to address global challenges.