Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday urged the United States and China to act as “partners, not rivals,” as he hosted President Donald Trump for talks while warning that tensions over Taiwan could push the world’s two largest powers toward confrontation.
Xi’s remarks came during more than two hours of closed-door talks with U.S. President Donald Trump at Beijing’s Great Hall of the People, where the two leaders opened a high-stakes summit expected to focus on trade disputes, regional security and broader geopolitical tensions.
“The Taiwan question is the most important issue in China-U.S. relations,” Xi said, according to China’s Foreign Ministry.
“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,” he said.
The two sides discussed ways to enhance economic cooperation between countries, including expanding market access for American businesses into China and increasing Chinese investment.
Leaders from many of the United States’ largest companies joined a portion of the meeting. pic.twitter.com/i3Q1ogde2E
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) May 14, 2026
Beijing views Taiwan as part of its territory, while the self-governed island has evolved into a major global technology center and a strategically critical hub at the center of Indo-Pacific trade and security routes. Positioned along the so-called First Island Chain stretching from Japan to the Philippines, Taiwan is widely seen by military analysts as central to the regional balance of power.
The issue has become an increasingly sensitive flashpoint between Washington and Beijing, particularly after Trump approved an $11 billion arms package for Taiwan late last year, although deliveries have yet to begin.
Speaking before departing for China, Trump acknowledged that Xi wanted to discuss U.S. weapons sales to Taiwan, an issue that has repeatedly angered Beijing. Washington has historically not sought Chinese approval before approving military assistance for Taipei.
From the Bilateral Meeting in Beijing:
President Trump had a good meeting with President Xi of China. pic.twitter.com/WaH8hR1ZV3
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) May 14, 2026
The summit opened with elaborate ceremony outside the Great Hall, where Xi and Trump stood side by side as military bands played the national anthems of both countries and ceremonial cannons fired in the background. Schoolchildren waving Chinese and American flags welcomed the leaders as they walked through the square alongside senior officials from both delegations.
Accompanying Trump were Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who has long been regarded in Beijing as one of Washington’s most outspoken China critics.
“You’re a great leader — sometimes people don’t like me saying it, but I say it anyway,” Trump told Xi during opening remarks.
Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump visited the Temple of Heaven on Thursday in Beijing.
During their visit, Xi explained to Trump that in ancient times, state rituals were held at the Temple of Heaven, where then Chinese rulers prayed for national… pic.twitter.com/XJ5oXVrYJX— China Xinhua News (@XHNews) May 14, 2026
“There are those who say this may be the biggest summit ever. It’s an honor to be with you and an honour to be your friend. The relationship between China and the USA is going to be better than ever before,” Trump added.
Xi, meanwhile, emphasized the broader global implications of stable relations between Beijing and Washington.
“A stable China-US relationship is a boon for the world. Cooperation benefits both sides, while confrontation harms both. We should be partners and not rivals,” the Chinese president said.
Muhammad Luqman is Associate Editor at Views News Now. He writes on wide-ranging issues including economy, South Asia, the Middle East, agriculture, economy and innovation. Luqman has worked some of the leading news organizations and won acclaim for his original and research-based works.
Kiran Asim is a writer who covers the U.S., Europe, South Asia, and the Middle East. Her reports and analyses look at the geostrategic issues and contemporary developments and their economic and political implications. She also writes about society and education.
