Xi warns Trump on Taiwan at Beijing summit

Chinese President Xi Jinping warned his U.S. counterpart Donald Trump that missteps on Taiwan could push their two countries into "conflict," a stark opening salvo as they met in Beijing on Thursday at a superpower summit.

Trump arrived in China with accolades for his host, calling Xi a "great leader" and "friend" and extending an invitation to visit the White House in September.

Beyond the pomp as he welcomed Trump, Xi, in less effusive tones, said the two sides "should be partners and not rivals," and quickly highlighted the issue of Taiwan -- which Beijing claims as its territory.

"The Taiwan question is the most important issue in China-U.S. relations," Xi said, according to remarks published by Chinese state media shortly after the start of the talks, which lasted two hours and 15 minutes.

"If mishandled, the two nations could collide or even come into conflict, pushing the entire China-U.S. relationship into a highly perilous situation," Xi added.

Trump's trip to Beijing is the first by a U.S. president in nearly a decade, with the grand reception belying a roster of unresolved trade and geopolitical tensions.

Xi greeted Trump with a red-carpet welcome at the opulent Great Hall of the People, with military band fanfare, a 21-gun salute, and a host of schoolchildren chanting "welcome!"

Seemingly enjoying the ceremony, Trump said, "The relationship between China and the USA is going to be better than ever before."

Xi instead referenced a political theory about the risks of war when a rising power rivals a ruling one, inspired by an ancient Greek historian.

"Can China and the United States transcend the so-called 'Thucydides Trap' and forge a new paradigm for major-power relations?" Xi asked.

At a state banquet in the evening, the Chinese leader insisted it was possible.

"Achieving the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and making America great again can totally go hand in hand... and advance the well-being of the whole world," Xi said, in reference to Trump's MAGA movement.

AFP