President Donald Trump was urged by Chinese President Xi Jinping to exercise “extreme caution” on U.S. arms sales to Taiwan during a phone call Wednesday, as Beijing moved to underscore what it calls its most sensitive issue in relations with Washington.
The warning came as the two leaders sought to project stability in U.S.-China ties following months of trade tensions and ahead of an expected Trump visit to China later this year. While both sides described the call in broadly positive terms, Taiwan featured prominently in China’s official account of the conversation.
Xi Raises Taiwan as ‘Most Important’ Issue
According to China’s state broadcaster CCTV, Xi told Trump that the Taiwan question is “the most important issue” in U.S.-China relations and said Beijing would never allow the island to be separated from China. Xi said the United States must handle arms sales to Taiwan with extreme caution, reiterating Beijing’s long‑standing opposition to U.S. military support for the self‑governed island.
China claims Taiwan as its territory and has repeatedly warned against what it sees as foreign interference. The United States does not recognize Taiwan as a sovereign state but is required by law to provide defensive weapons to the island.
Trump Emphasizes Cooperation and Stability
Trump, according to the Chinese readout, described the United States and China as “great nations” and said the bilateral relationship was the most important in the world. He said he respected Xi and welcomed China’s development, while expressing a willingness to strengthen cooperation and maintain communication during his term.
Trump also said he valued China’s concerns on Taiwan and was willing to work toward ensuring the “good and stable development” of U.S.-China relations, the Chinese statement said.
The White House did not immediately release its own detailed readout of the call.
Call Follows Trade Truce, Global Tension
Relations between Washington and Beijing had been strained last year by tariffs imposed by the Trump administration, though ties stabilized after the Busan meeting.
Chinese media said Xi emphasized the need for continued dialogue, proper management of differences and expanded cooperation, citing upcoming global events including APEC and the G20 as opportunities for engagement between the two powers.
The call signaled an effort by both sides to keep lines of communication open even as deep disagreements — particularly over Taiwan — remain unresolved.
This article includes reporting by the Associated Press.
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