U.S. President Donald Trump said Wednesday that he had a “long and thorough call” with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping, naming Iran, Russia’s war in Ukraine, China’s energy purchases and his upcoming visit in April among the key talking points.
Beijing’s statement, however, singled out Taiwan as “the most important issue” in bilateral relations, urging the U.S. to “handle the issue of arms sales to Taiwan with prudence.”
China maintains Taiwan is part of its territory, claims that have been rejected by the democratically governed island.
Washington approved arms sales to Taiwan worth as much as $11.15 billion in December last year — one of its biggest ever — to strengthen the island’s defenses and deter any military aggression by Beijing.
China appears to be reminding Washington “where the red lines are” while seeking to avoid any action that could jeopardize Trump’s plans to visit China in April, said David Meale, practice head for China at Eurasia Group.
