Xi to Trump: US-China Could Clash If Taiwan Issue Not Handled Properly

Istanbul (ANTARA) - Chinese President Xi Jinping has warned the United States that relations between the two countries could experience collisions or even conflict if the Taiwan issue is not handled properly.

Xinhua News Agency reported on Thursday (14/5) that Xi conveyed this warning to US President Donald Trump during a banquet at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

“If handled correctly, bilateral relations will enjoy overall stability. If not, the two countries will experience collisions or even conflicts that endanger the entire relationship,” Xi said.

He described Taiwan as the “most important issue in China-US relations” and stated that peace in the Taiwan Strait cannot coexist with Taiwan’s independence.

According to Xi, maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait is the greatest common interest of both countries.

On Monday, Trump said he would discuss US support for Taiwan’s defence with Xi.

According to a New York Times report, a bipartisan group of senators has urged Trump to proceed with a $14 billion US (approximately Rp245.3 trillion) arms package for Taiwan that has been delayed for months at the US State Department.

As Taiwan’s main arms supplier, the US approved $11 billion in arms sales to Taiwan last year, which provoked protests from Beijing.

China regards Taiwan as a breakaway province, while Taiwan maintains its position as an independent government since 1949.