US President Donald Trump said on Friday that he and Chinese President Xi Jinping discussed the sensitive issue of Taiwan during their bilateral summit in Beijing on Thursday, but he made no commitments. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on the return flight to Washington, Trump stated, “The president Xi and I talked a lot about Taiwan,” according to ABC Color. He added that Xi expressed strong feelings against independence for the island, and Trump said he listened without making any promises.
Trump also addressed the issue of US arms sales to Taiwan, saying he would “make a decision in a relatively short period of time.” The US officially recognizes China but is legally required to provide weapons to self-governed Taiwan for its defense. China has vowed to reunify the island and has not ruled out using force, increasing military pressure in recent years, ABC Color reported.
The summit, held amid ongoing US-China rivalry, was described by Ultima Hora as one of the most significant diplomatic events in years, reflecting a recognition by both powers that permanent confrontation is unsustainable. The outlet noted that while ideological distrust and competition for global influence persist, growing international instability is pushing Washington and Beijing toward a more pragmatic relationship based on shared interests.
Ultima Hora also highlighted China’s economic concerns as a factor in its cautious foreign policy. Slowing growth, rising unemployment, and higher production costs are pressuring Beijing to avoid prolonged conflicts. Disruptions in fuel and petrochemical supplies particularly affect China, despite its strategic oil reserves and investments in renewable energy. The summit, the outlet argued, symbolizes a broader struggle for global leadership and economic stability in an increasingly fragmented international system.