Xi warned on Tuesday that Taiwan is a 'red line' in China‑US relations as he gears up for a Washington summit with President Trump. The warning came after Beijing’s state media released a front‑page article labeling Taiwan as a guardrail for China‑US ties. Officials say the stance signals that China views the island as a common enemy with Washington. The comment arrives exactly one day before the leaders’ meeting on Thursday.
Xi’s visit is his second in less than six months, and analysts expect him to rebuke the United States’ proposed $11 billion arms package for Taiwan. Trump has yet to approve the sale, but the Chinese government has warned that it could jeopardise the fragile trade and security talks. Beijing’s opposition is framed as a necessary step to preserve strategic stability across the Taiwan Strait.
The People's Daily called Taiwan a 'red line' and urged Washington to handle the issue with utmost caution, adding that "managing Taiwan independence" is part of building constructive strategic stability. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said Beijing was ready to enrich the relationship through dialogue and proper management of differences. He added that the trip was aimed at keeping the positive momentum going.
Meanwhile, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi met Trump in New York, pledging to strengthen the US‑Japan alliance and counter Chinese military and economic coercion. Takaichi warned that a Taiwan contingency could become a 'survival‑threatening' situation for Japan, a comment that drew sharp rebuke from Beijing. Tokyo’s stance signals it will coordinate closely with Washington before the Xi summit.
On the ground, a Taiwanese farmer in Kaohsiung watches the news from a small TV, worried that any escalation could threaten the island’s fragile peace. The summit, slated for Thursday, will decide whether the U.S. proceeds with the arms package and how Beijing will push for a retreat from Taipei’s support. Both sides are under pressure to balance strategic interests with the risk of a flashpoint in the Taiwan Strait.