Behind summit smiles, Xi gives blunt warning to Trump of 'clashes' and 'conflicts'

By Fox News · Fox News

Chinese President Xi Jinping issued a stark warning to President Donald Trump that Taiwan could trigger "clashes and even conflicts" between the world’s two superpowers, injecting a note of potential confrontation into an otherwise upbeat summit in Beijing. "President Xi stressed to President Trump that the Taiwan question is the most important issue in China-U.S. relations. If it is handled properly, the bilateral relationship will enjoy overall stability. Otherwise, the two countries will have clashes and even conflicts, putting the entire relationship in great jeopardy," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said following the meeting. The White House, however, downplayed the exchange, with a senior administration official telling Fox News Digital that "both sides reiterated their long-stated stance on the issue and everyone understands each other’s position." Trump struck a notably warm tone in his public remarks, predicting a "fantastic future together" and praising Xi as "a great leader" as the two leaders opened talks focused heavily on trade, investment and economic cooperation. TRUMP HEADS TO BEIJING FOR HIGH-STAKES XI TALKS AS TAIWAN TENSIONS, TRADE DISPUTES TEST US STRENGTH "In fact, the longest relationship of our two countries that any president and president has had," Trump said. "We've had a fantastic relationship. We've gotten along." Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer , D-N.Y., blasted Trump following the meeting, accusing him of failing to respond forcefully to Xi’s warning. "Just hours in, and Xi Jinping has already threatened to, quote, collide or even clash, unquote, with the United States if we continue our support for Taiwan. Trump apparently didn't say anything in response. He was just mute," Schumer said. "For the sake of democracy and the stability of the global economy. Trump must not sell out Taiwan. Trump must also safeguard the interests of American workers, families and businesses." RUBIO SAYS COMMITMENT TO TAIWAN WON'T CHA…