‘Very Dangerous Situation’: Xi Warns Taiwan Issue Could Lead To US-China Clash If Mishandled
Chinese President Xi Jinping voiced his concerns over the Taiwan issue, stating it could push the bilateral ties between Washington and Beijing into a “very dangerous situation” if not handled properly.
Jinping made the remarks during a high-stakes meeting with his US counterpart, Donald Trump, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.
“If it is handled properly, relations between the two countries can maintain overall stability. If it is not handled properly, the two countries may clash or even come into conflict, pushing the entire China-US relationship into a very dangerous situation,” Jinping said, Xinhua reported.
“The Taiwan question is the most important issue in China-US relations,” he said, as quoted by state broadcaster CCTV.
About China-Taiwan Issue
China recognises Taiwan — a self-governing democracy — as part of its territory. Although China and Taiwan have a shared history and culture, what differs them from each other is the fact that the latter has emerged as a thriving democracy over the last 80 years.
In recent years, Beijing has enhanced military drills around Taiwan, asserting control over the territory. Interestingly, it has never ruled out capturing the territory by force.
However, less than 10 per cent of Taiwan’s population backs reunification with China, surveys have suggested.
“We’ve been through an authoritarian past. We see democracy is something we achieved. Taiwanese people cherish that very much. So we will never accept the one country, two systems”, Taiwan’s deputy foreign minister Chen Ming-chi told CBS News in an earlier interview.
For decades, US Presidents have openly backed Taipei’s autonomy, rejecting Beijing’s claim. But Trump’s ambivalence towards Taiwan has raised questions about the US’ defence of the tiny island.
Trump’s Praise For Xi
During the summit, Trump lauded Jinping, describing him as a “great leader” and calling for stronger trade ties with Beijing.
“We’re going to have a fantastic future together. I have such respect for China, the job you’ve done. You’re a great leader. I say it to everybody. Sometimes people don’t like me saying it, but I say it anyway. On behalf of all of the great delegations that we have, we have the greatest businessmen, the biggest and, I guess, the best in the world…”
The US President assured his Chinese counterpart that the trade would be reciprocal from Washington’s side, adding he was looking forward to the key summit.
“I didn’t want the second or the third in the company. I wanted only the top. They’re here today to pay respects to you and to China. They look forward to trade and doing business, and it’s going to be totally reciprocal on our behalf. I really look very much forward to our discussion. It’s a big discussion. Those who say this is maybe the biggest summit ever. They can never remember anything like it…” he said.
