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US Reaffirms Taiwan Support Amid Trump-Xi Talks; Xi Warns of Conflict Risk

Taiwan's cabinet spokeswoman Michelle Lee stated the US has repeatedly reaffirmed support for Taiwan's sovereign status. Chinese President Xi Jinping warned that mishandling the Taiwan issue could lead to "clashes and even conflicts" between the US and China. The remarks came during President Trump's two-day visit to China, where high-level discussions included trade, technology, and regional security. Senior US officials confirmed there has been no change in American policy regarding Taiwan.

Key Points: US Reiterates Taiwan Support Amid Trump-Xi Visit

  • US reaffirms support for Taiwan's sovereign status
  • Xi warns Taiwan issue could cause US-China clashes
  • Trump and Xi discuss Taiwan amid trade and security tensions
  • China sets 'four red lines' including Taiwan question
  • US says no policy change expected on Taiwan
3 min read

US has reiterated its 'clear and firm' support: Taiwan on Trump's visit to China

Taiwan says US reaffirms support amid Trump's China visit. Xi Jinping warns Taiwan issue could lead to 'clashes and conflicts' if mishandled.

"If it is handled properly, the bilateral relationship will enjoy overall stability. Otherwise, the two countries will have clashes and even conflicts - Xi Jinping"

Taipei, May 14

With the Taiwan issue being one of the core points of deliberation on Trump's visit to China, Taiwan's cabinet spokeswoman, Michelle Lee, on Thursday emphasised that the US has repeatedly been in support of the sovereign status of Taiwan, according to Al Jazeera.

In her remarks to the reporters, she said that the US has "repeatedly reaffirmed" its support for Taiwan.

Meanwhile, Chinese President Xi Jinping warned that the Taiwan issue could push China and the United States towards "clashes and even conflicts" if not handled properly, during talks with US President Donald Trump in Beijing, Xinhua News Agency reported.

According to China's state-run news agency, Xi said safeguarding peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait was the "biggest common denominator" between the two countries.

The Chinese President added that Taiwan remained the most important issue in China-US relations, and stable ties between the two powers depended on how the matter was handled.

"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," Xi said.

Xinhua, further quoting the Chinese President, stated that "Taiwan independence" and peace across the Taiwan Strait were "as irreconcilable as fire and water".

The remarks came during Trump's two-day visit to China from May 13 to 15, where both leaders held high-level discussions amid continuing tensions over trade, technology, regional security and geopolitical competition.

Earlier, on Wednesday, the Chinese Embassy in the United States reiterated its position on key sensitive issues in China-US relations, stating that certain issues constitute "four red lines" that must not be challenged during Trump's visit to China. One of the "red lines" mentioned in the X post was "The Taiwan Question."

Meanwhile, ahead of the meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, senior US officials had said that the two leaders have an ongoing conversation about Taiwan and that there has been no change in American policy.

The senior US officials made the remarks while interacting with the press ahead of President Trump's upcoming visit to China.

When asked if there was a potential shift in the stance of the United States towards Taiwan ahead of the meeting, the officials said, "There is an ongoing conversation between President Trump and General Secretary Xi Jinping about Taiwan. Certainly, the last couple of times they've interacted, it has been a point of discussion. There's been no change in US policy coming out of those. We don't expect to see any changes in US policy going forward."

While Taiwan's government considers itself the head of a de facto sovereign state, China claims the self-governing island of 23 million people as an integral part of its territory.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
Honestly, as an Indian, I'm tired of these great power games. China sees Taiwan as its own territory, the US wants to keep tensions alive for its own strategic reasons. Meanwhile, people living there just want peace and stability. Why can't everyone just respect each other's core interests? 😔
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Vikram M
Xi Jinping's warning about 'clashes and conflicts' is absolutely right. Taiwan has always been part of China historically, and the US knows this. This 'reaffirmation' of support is just a way to needle China. India should not get dragged into these games—we have enough border issues of our own to worry about.
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James A
As a Westerner, I think people overlook how serious the US 'red lines' are. The Chinese embassy mentioned four red lines, including Taiwan, and Trump seems to be treading carefully. But this 'clear and firm support' for Taiwan is dangerous—it gives false hope and risks real confrontation. Diplomacy needs more nuance.
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Siddharth J
I feel for the Taiwanese people, but the reality is that Taiwan has never been an independent country. The US should stop making hollow promises. If they really cared about Taiwan, they'd push for peaceful dialogue rather than rattling sabers. China's position is clear—'fire and water' indeed.
A
Ananya R
I find it interesting how the US keeps saying 'no change in policy' while simultaneously talking about 'clear and firm support' for Taiwan. This double-speak is precisely why many in India view these alliances with caution. We need to learn from this and not become a pawn in anyone's geopolitical chessboard.

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