Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
China has warned the United States that it could cancel a planned meeting between President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping later this month if Washington approves any new arms sales to Taiwan, according to multiple sources familiar with bilateral ties.
The warning comes as Trump, keen to showcase diplomatic achievements ahead of the November midterm congressional elections, places significant importance on holding the summit with Xi.
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While preparing for Xi’s potential visit to the United States, Beijing has again made clear that the Taiwan issue remains a “red line” in its relationship with Washington.
China claims Taiwan as part of its territory and has not ruled out using force to bring the self-governing democratic island under its control.
TAIWAN ARMS SALES AT CENTRE OF TENSIONS
Xi raised the Taiwan issue when he met Trump in Beijing in mid-May, telling the US president that it was the “most important issue” in relations between the two countries.
Xi also warned of the potential for conflict if the issue was mishandled.
Trump, meanwhile, had said in a television interview at the time that US arms sales to Taiwan could be “a very good negotiating chip” in his dealings with China. His remarks raised questions over Washington’s longstanding security commitments to its allies and partners in Asia.
China’s growing military activity in and around the Taiwan Strait has fuelled fears of a possible invasion of Taiwan and a wider regional conflict involving the United States and its allies.
Under the Taiwan Relations Act, passed by the US Congress after Washington severed diplomatic ties with Taipei in favour of Beijing in 1979, the United States provides Taiwan with weapons to help maintain its ability to defend itself.
The Trump administration announced an $11 billion arms package for Taiwan in December last year, the largest such package ever announced, triggering an angry response from Beijing.
XI’S EXPECTED US VISIT
Trump has said he will host Xi and his wife at the White House on September 24 and hold a state dinner in their honour.
However, the Chinese government has not officially announced Xi’s visit to the United States.
The latest warning over Taiwan arms sales could therefore become a major hurdle for the planned summit, with Beijing making clear that any fresh weapons deal with Taipei could affect Xi’s participation.
IRAN WAR MAY ALSO FEATURE
The US war against Iran could also emerge as a major issue at the Trump-Xi meeting, given China’s position as a key economic partner of Tehran.
Trump’s war with Israel, which began in late February, has continued with no immediate end in sight. His administration has also been pressuring China not to conduct business with Iran.
Despite the pressure, one of the sources said Beijing had adopted a cooperative approach in its dealings with Washington.
“China has shown a cooperative stance and is not hindering dialogue with the United States,” the source said.
TRADE AND AI ON SUMMIT AGENDA
Economic issues are also expected to feature prominently in the talks.
The US Treasury and Commerce departments have been leading negotiations with Beijing, with the two presidents expected to discuss several key economic issues.
Among them is a proposed framework to reduce tariffs on $30 billion worth of goods from each side.
A framework for dialogue on artificial intelligence safety is also expected to be high on the agenda, according to the sources.
The summit, if it goes ahead, would therefore bring together some of the most contentious issues in US-China relations, from Taiwan and trade to Iran and emerging technology, even as Beijing warns that a fresh arms sale to Taipei could put the meeting itself at risk.
– Ends
SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
