Washington: China has called on the United States to take a clear position against Taiwan independence during high-level discussions between Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump.

The Taiwan question remained one of the most sensitive issues during the latest engagement between Washington and Beijing, reflecting the broader strategic differences that continue to shape relations between the two countries.

Beijing considers Taiwan part of China and has repeatedly opposed any move toward formal independence by the island. Chinese officials have urged the United States to respect what Beijing describes as the one-China principle and to avoid actions that could encourage separatist activity.

The United States maintains a longstanding policy toward Taiwan that combines diplomatic recognition of Beijing with unofficial relations with Taipei. Washington has also continued to provide defensive support to Taiwan, a policy that Beijing strongly criticizes.

During the latest discussions, China emphasized that developments involving Taiwan should be handled carefully. Beijing has warned that what it considers support for Taiwanese independence could increase tensions across the Taiwan Strait.

Taiwan’s government, meanwhile, maintains that decisions about the island’s future should be determined by its people. The political dispute has become one of the most significant security issues in the Asia-Pacific region.

The issue is also closely connected to US-China military relations. American and Chinese forces operate in the wider Indo-Pacific region, making communication between the two governments important for avoiding accidental escalation.

The Taiwan dispute has gained additional importance because of the island’s role in the global technology industry. Taiwan is a major center for advanced semiconductor manufacturing, making stability in the region important for international supply chains.

Beyond Taiwan, Washington and Beijing continue to disagree over trade, artificial intelligence, advanced technology and other strategic matters. Both countries have introduced policies aimed at protecting critical technologies and strengthening their respective economic and industrial capabilities.

Despite these differences, direct discussions between the American and Chinese leaders provide an avenue for addressing sensitive issues through diplomacy.

The latest Chinese appeal does not represent a resolution of the Taiwan dispute. Instead, it highlights how central the issue remains to Beijing’s relationship with Washington.

For the United States, managing relations with both Beijing and Taipei requires balancing its security commitments, diplomatic policy and efforts to prevent a military confrontation in the region.

The Taiwan Strait is expected to remain a major focus of international attention as Washington and Beijing continue their broader strategic competition.

Future developments will depend on how both sides interpret their commitments, respond to political developments in Taiwan and maintain communication over military and diplomatic issues.