Taiwan at the heart of tensions. From the opening of their summit in Beijing, Xi Jinping warned Donald Trump against the risk of ” conflict “ between China and the United States if Washington mismanages this issue, reports AFP. “The Taiwan issue is the most important in Sino-US relations. If handled well, relations between the two countries (China and UNITED STATES) will be able to remain generally stable. If it is handled poorly, the two countries will clash, or even come into conflict”declared the Chinese president. Beijing considers Taiwan a Chinese province and does not rule out the use of force to achieve reunification.
Faced with this warning, American policy remains unchanged for the moment: military support for Taiwan, without official recognition of its independence. “The American side has repeatedly reaffirmed its clear and firm support for Taiwan”commented Taiwanese government spokesperson Michelle Lee. The Taiwanese question thus crystallizes the tensions between the two powers, in a context already marked by disagreements on trade, semiconductors, artificial intelligence and even access to rare earths.
“Relations between China and the United States will be better than ever”
Despite these differences, Xi Jinping and Donald Trump displayed a certain cordiality in front of the cameras. Welcomed with honors at the People’s Palace, on Tiananmen Square decorated in the colors of the two countries, the American president received a particularly solemn welcome. Donald Trump affirmed his “honor to be (at) your side” of his Chinese counterpart and “the honor of being his friend”before ensuring: “Relations between China and the United States are going to be better than ever. We are going to have a fabulous future together. »
On the economic front, Xi Jinping tried to send signals of openness to American businesses. “The door to China’s opening will continue to open wider and wider”he declared in front of several American economic leaders. Washington hopes in particular to obtain agricultural agreements, new Chinese investments in the United States as well as a large order for Boeing planes. The two countries are above all seeking to preserve a form of constructive strategic stability after their violent 2025 trade war, marked by massive customs duties and numerous restrictions.
The summit should also make it possible to address several sensitive international issues. Xi Jinping stressed the need for the two powers to be “partners, not rivals”. Discussions focused on the Middle East, Ukraine and the Korean Peninsula. Donald Trump particularly wants to convince Beijing to use its influence to open the Strait of Hormuz. China is the main buyer of Iranian oil.
