Chinese leader Xi Jinping delivered a blunt threat to U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday, saying that any misstep over Taiwan could push the two economic superpowers toward direct confrontation. “The Taiwan question is the most important issue in China-U.S.

relations,” Xi told Trump during a summit in Beijing, according to a Chinese government readout. “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.” For decades, Washington’s ties with Taipei has remained one of the most combustible flashpoints in U.S.-China relations.

What You Need to Know

  • Source: Defense News
  • Published: May 14, 2026 at 23:05 UTC
  • Category: War
  • Topics: #defense · #military · #pentagon · #war · #conflict · #china

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Curated by GlobalBR News · May 14, 2026