In a recent summit in San Francisco, Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered a direct message to President Joe Biden, stating that China intends to reunify Taiwan with the mainland, though the timing remains undecided, according to three current and former US officials familiar with the matter.
Xi conveyed China’s preference for a peaceful reunification rather than a forceful takeover during a group meeting attended by American and Chinese officials.
Chinese Leader’s Warning
He refuted predictions by some US military leaders who suggested a timeline for the reunification, emphasizing that he had not set a specific timeframe.
The Chinese leader reportedly requested that President Biden publicly affirm the United States’ support for China’s goal of a peaceful unification with Taiwan and reject any endorsement of Taiwanese independence. The White House, however, rejected this request.
The revelations provide new insights into a pivotal meeting aimed at reducing tensions between the two nations.
Xi’s candid warning caught the attention of US officials, especially given China’s increasingly assertive behavior toward Taiwan and the upcoming presidential election on the democratic island.
After the story broke, Senator Lindsey Graham called for bipartisan efforts to counter China, stating, “This story as reported is beyond unnerving,” and outlining plans to create a robust defense supplemental for Taiwan and draft pre-invasion sanctions against China.
Officials familiar with the summit described Xi as straightforward but not confrontational, noting that his language mirrored his past public statements on Taiwan.
The Biden administration is concerned about Xi’s stance on Taiwan, as it actively seeks to avoid a military conflict with China.
Xi’s remarks echo statements he made at last year’s Chinese Communist Party Congress, where he warned of military action if Taiwan declares independence with foreign support.
He emphasized that such a threat is directed at outside interference and separatists seeking Taiwanese independence.
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Emphasizing ‘One China’ Policy Amidst Tensions
During the San Francisco summit, Xi expressed concerns about the upcoming Taiwanese presidential election and acknowledged US influence on Taiwan.
When Biden urged respect for Taiwan’s electoral process, Xi emphasized the need for eventual resolution.
The meeting, which took months to secure, aimed to ease tensions between the US and China.
While Biden stressed the need to avoid conflict, CIA Director William Burns had previously noted that US intelligence indicated Xi’s readiness to invade Taiwan by 2027.
The Biden administration has emphasized the “One China” policy, recognizing Beijing as China’s sole legal government while maintaining unofficial relations with Taiwan.
President Biden reiterated this stance after the summit, stating, “We maintain an agreement that there is a ‘One China’ policy.”
Xi’s assertion that the “Taiwan question” remains the most important and sensitive issue in China-US relations underscores the complex dynamics between the two nations as they navigate long standing disputes and seek to manage their competitive relationship.
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