Beijing, May 14 (UNI) Chinese President Xi Jinping has described the emerging phase of relations with the United States as a “new era” of more stable and managed competition, while issuing a pointed warning over Taiwan, calling it the most sensitive and dangerous issue in bilateral ties.
The remarks came as Xi and US President Donald Trump opened a landmark bilateral summit at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, their first face-to-face meeting in China since 2017, setting the tone for discussions expected to focus on strategic rivalry, trade, and regional security.
The summit is unfolding against a backdrop of global tensions, including the ongoing conflict in Iran, volatile energy markets, and escalating US-China economic competition. Key issues on the table include trade and tariff stabilization,Chinese access to U.S. markets and American corporate expansion into China,Technology and AI competition, Chinese electric vehicle exports and global auto industry disruption, energy security and Iran’s oil exports, where China maintains major influence while both the super powers will.
The meeting is taking place in the shadow of Iran war in which leaders will discuss broader geopolitical alignment and “managed competition” between the two super powers.
The remarks came during high-level talks in Beijing with US President Donald Trump, marking a closely watched summit between the two leaders that are happening in the shadow of Iran war.
Xi stressed that while both countries should pursue stability and cooperation, mishandling the Taiwan issue could push relations into what he called an “extremely dangerous situation.” He reiterated that Taiwan remains Beijing’s core concern and the most important issue in China–U.S. relations, describing it as a red line that could shape the future trajectory of ties.
Despite tensions, Xi said China and the United States should act as partners rather than adversaries amid rising global uncertainty, suggesting that differences can be managed to maintain overall stability.
According to Chinese state media, both sides also exchanged views on developments in the Middle East and disruptions to international energy routes.
Trump arrived accompanied by a large delegation of senior officials and US business leaders, signaling a strong focus on potential investment and commercial agreements. Among the top figures are members of his cabinet and economic team, reflecting the summit’s heavy economic orientation.However, he did not directly address questions from reporters regarding Taiwan during public appearances alongside Xi.
In his opening remarks, Xi said cooperation benefits both sides and confrontation harms them, while Trump highlighted the importance of economic ties and described the relationship in optimistic terms.
The leaders have now moved into closed-door negotiations, with additional meetings, state events, and official dinners scheduled over the coming days. While no major agreement has been announced, both sides appear to be seeking a framework to stabilize relations and prevent further escalation in what remains the world’s most consequential bilateral relationship.UNI AAB