Xi says Taiwan is central issue in U.S.-China ties

Chinese President Xi Jinping told U.S. President Donald Trump during talks in Beijing that Taiwan remains a central issue in relations between China and the United States.

Xi said a proper approach to the Taiwan issue would help maintain stability in ties between Washington and Beijing, while mistakes could lead to conflict and a serious deterioration in bilateral relations.

He also said that support for Taiwan independence was incompatible with peace in the Taiwan Strait.

China’s embassy in Washington earlier described Taiwan as one of the four “red lines” in relations with the United States.

Reuters reported that Washington may ask Beijing to press Iran toward a deal, while China could seek concessions from the United States on Taiwan. Trump earlier said he planned to discuss U.S. arms supplies to Taiwan with Xi.