At a Meeting With Trump, Xi Called Taiwan the Central Issue in U.S.-China Relations

Donald Trump and Xi Jinping held talks in Beijing on Thursday morning. Taiwan emerged as one of the central topics of the meeting.

The Chinese leader described the Taiwan issue as “the most important issue in China-U.S. relations” and warned that it carries the risk of a direct conflict between the two countries.

“If it is handled properly, relations between our two countries can remain stable. If not, the two states will confront one another or even enter into conflict,” China Central Television quoted Xi as saying.

The Chinese leader also said that efforts to pursue Taiwan’s independence are incompatible with maintaining peace and stability in the region.

The remarks came amid continuing tensions surrounding the island, which remains one of the principal sources of friction between Beijing and Washington.