China fires verbal warning shot at US over Taiwan

On May 14, 2026, at a US-China summit in Beijing, Xi warned Trump that mishandling the Taiwan issue could lead to 'conflict' between China and the US. Xi said improper handling would push ties to a 'dangerous place'. The summit began with a state banquet, and KBS World wrote that Xi also stressed US-China coexistence.

The warning was made in Beijing talks between the two leaders. Defense News and Military Times headlined it a 'verbal warning shot' from China to the US over Taiwan.