Xi Jinping reportedly warned U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday, May 14, 2026, that the two nations could face conflict over Taiwan if the issue is not handled carefully. The statement stood in sharp contrast to Trump’s praise for the Chinese President and highlighted the continuing divide between the two leaders on key geopolitical issues.
President Xi warns Donald Trump over Taiwan
China’s Xi Jinping and the US’s Donald Trump met during the latter’s three-day visit to China. The two leaders reportedly held a closed-door meeting for about two hours at the Great Hall of the People following an elaborate welcome ceremony that showcased China’s hospitality.
The exchange began with Trump saying, “You’re a great leader. Sometimes people don’t like me saying it, but I say it anyway, because it’s true. It’s an honor to be your friend” (via AP). Trump also claimed that the relationship between China and the United States was going to become stronger than ever before.
However, Xi appeared more focused on concerns surrounding U.S.-China relations. According to a post on X by Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning, Xi told Trump that “the Taiwan question is the most important issue in China-U.S. relations.”
“If it is handled properly, the bilateral relationship will enjoy overall stability. Otherwise, the two countries will have clashes and even conflicts, putting the entire relationship in great jeopardy,” she added.
During the opening remarks, Xi Jinping also questioned whether “the two countries can transcend the ‘Thucydides Trap’ and forge a new model for relations between major powers.” The term refers to a theory in foreign policy studies. It suggests that war can occur when a rising power threatens to challenge an established one.
However, the Chinese President also stated, “Cooperation benefits both sides, while confrontation harms both.”
Xi’s warning regarding Taiwan reflects China’s ongoing concerns about the United States’ plans to sell weapons to Taiwan. Reports state that the Trump administration has approved an $11 billion arms package for the island, which continues to remain a major source of tension between China and the United States.
Originally reported by Sourav Chakraborty on Mandatory.
