Chinese President Xi Jinping warned the US to handle Taiwan arms sales with caution during a call with Donald Trump, calling for mutual respect and cooperation
BEIJING: Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for “mutual respect” in strengthening relations with the United States.
During a phone call with US President Donald Trump, Xi specifically warned Washington to exercise caution regarding arms sales to Taiwan.
Xi expressed hope that bilateral issues, including trade, could be resolved amicably between the world’s two largest economies.
“By tackling issues one by one and continuously building mutual trust, we can forge a right way for the two countries to get along,” Xi said, according to state broadcaster CCTV.
He added that both nations should aim to make 2026 a year of “mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation”.
Trump described the conversation as an “excellent” call on his Truth Social platform.
“The relationship with China, and my personal relationship with President Xi, is an extremely good one,” Trump stated.
He confirmed they discussed trade, Taiwan, the war in Ukraine, Iran, and a planned trip to China.
On the critical issue of Taiwan, Xi delivered a clear warning. “The Taiwan question is the most important issue in China-US relations… The US must handle arms sales to Taiwan with caution,” Xi said.
Beijing claims the democratically-governed island as part of its territory and has not ruled out using force for reunification.
While Washington does not officially recognise Taiwan, it remains the island’s primary military supporter.
The United States approved USD 11 billion worth of arms to Taiwan in December.
China responded by launching major live-fire drills simulating a blockade around Taiwan’s key ports shortly after the approval.
