Xi Jinping warns U.S. mishandling of Taiwan could lead to "clashes and even conflicts"

Chinese leader Xi Jinping is in Washington for the first state visit in more than ten years, seeking stability as the two largest economies compete over technology, space, and global influence. The trip follows Xi’s May warning while hosting President Donald Trump in Beijing that U.S. mishandling of Taiwan could lead to a confrontation. Taiwan administers itself but is claimed by Beijing. This week, Xi is expected to ask Trump to postpone an arms sales package to the island. Trump is scheduled to greet Xi on Wednesday evening at Joint Base Andrews, an unusual departure from normal diplomatic protocol. The Taiwan issue remains a central source of tension between the two powers.