Xi firmly opposed Taiwan independence during talks, says Trump

Xi firmly opposed Taiwan independence during talks, says TrumpWashington- US President Donald Trump on Friday said Chinese President Xi Jinping strongly opposed any move toward Taiwan’s independence during their recent talks in China, while claiming the two sides also reached a “very good understanding” on issues ranging from trade and Iran to artificial intelligence.

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One while travelling to Alaska, Trump described his meeting with Xi as highly productive and said the visit resulted in major commercial understandings, including a potential large-scale aircraft agreement involving Boeing and General Electric.

“We had a great stay. It was an amazing period of time,” Trump said, adding that discussions included what he described as a commitment involving more than 200 Boeing aircraft, with a broader promise linked to 750 planes.

Taiwan featured prominently in the discussions, according to Trump, who said Xi made Beijing’s position very clear on the issue.

“He does not want to see a fight for independence because that would be a very strong confrontation,” Trump told reporters. “I heard him out.”

However, Trump again avoided giving a direct answer when asked whether the United States would militarily defend Taiwan in the event of a conflict with China.

“I don't want to say that,” he replied. “There’s only one person who knows that — me.”

Trump also indicated that his administration was reviewing future arms sales to Taiwan and said a decision would be taken in the near future.

On Iran, Trump claimed Xi shared Washington’s opposition to Tehran acquiring nuclear weapons and supported keeping the Strait of Hormuz open for global oil shipments.

“He feels strongly they can’t have a nuclear weapon,” Trump said, adding that Xi wanted the strategic shipping route reopened.

The US President also defended recent American military actions involving Iran, claiming Washington had severely damaged Tehran’s military infrastructure.

“We had a total military victory,” Trump said. “We knocked out their entire Navy. We knocked out their entire Air Force.”

Trump further remarked that a ceasefire arrangement had partly been reached “as a favour to Pakistan,” while praising both the country’s military leadership and government.

On artificial intelligence, Trump said the two countries discussed creating “guardrails” for emerging AI technologies, acknowledging both the opportunities and risks linked to rapid technological advances.

“AI is fantastic,” he said. “But it’s also got some drawbacks.”

Trump additionally claimed Xi praised his handling of the US economy while criticising former President Joe Biden.

According to Trump, Xi remarked that the US economy had weakened during the previous administration but had improved significantly over the past 15 months under his leadership.

With inputs from IANS