China Emphasises Taiwan as Key Issue in Xi-Trump Meeting in Beijing
Beijing (ANTARA) - China’s Foreign Ministry did not detail the agreements reached in the meeting between President Xi Jinping and President Donald Trump in Beijing, only stating that Taiwan is the most important issue in relations between the two countries.
“The two heads of state agreed on a new vision for building constructive China-US relations with strategic stability, and as conveyed by President Xi Jinping in talks with President Trump, the Taiwan issue is the most important in China-US relations,” said spokesperson for China’s Foreign Ministry Guo Jiakun at a press conference in Beijing on Thursday.
In the historic meeting at the Great Hall of the People on Thursday (14/5), President Xi and President Trump attended a state ceremony from 10.00 local time, held a bilateral meeting for 2 hours and 15 minutes, visited the Temple of Heaven in Beijing, and together attended a state dinner.
Although repeatedly stating that friendly and stable China-US relations are more beneficial than mutual competition, the two presidents did not specify in detail what was discussed, especially as President Trump brought 17 leaders of major US companies.
“Today’s meeting will provide strategic guidance for China-US relations in the next three years and beyond,” said Guo Jiakun, adding that “constructive strategic stability” for China-US relations means positive stability with cooperation as the main current.
China, according to Guo Jiakun, is willing to work with the US to translate this new vision into actions moving in the same direction, and together strive for stable, healthy, and sustainable development of China-US relations.
If the Taiwan issue is managed well, according to Guo Jiakun, bilateral relations will enjoy overall stability.
“Conversely, the two countries will experience friction or even conflict, placing the entire relationship in great danger. ‘Taiwan independence’ and peace in the Taiwan Strait are as irreconcilable as fire and water,” said Guo Jiakun.
Maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait is the greatest common ground between China and the US.
“The US must be extremely cautious in handling the Taiwan issue,” emphasised Guo Jiakun.
Regarding other specific issues such as Iran, US beef sales, and others, Guo Jiakun explained that the two heads of state exchanged views on the Middle East situation as well as other important international and regional issues.
“In his talks with President Trump this morning, President Xi Jinping conveyed that the two countries should expand exchanges and cooperation in various fields, such as economy and trade, as well as agriculture,” revealed Guo Jiakun.