[Asia Economy Reporter Jeon Jinyoung] Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized on the 14th (local time) during the US-China summit that "the Taiwan issue is the core of China's core interests" and called it "the first red line that must not be crossed in China-US relations."
According to the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, President Xi made these remarks during the meeting with US President Joe Biden regarding the Taiwan issue.
President Xi stated, "Those who attempt to separate Taiwan from China are infringing upon China's fundamental interests," and added, "The Chinese people will never allow such a thing to happen."
He continued, "We hope for peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and strive for it, but peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait (between China and Taiwan) and Taiwan independence cannot coexist like water and fire."
President Xi emphasized, "China has no intention to challenge or replace the United States," and said, "Both sides should respect each other, coexist peacefully, and pursue win-win cooperation."
He also stated, "Starting trade wars or technology wars, building walls, promoting decoupling and supply chain disruptions go against market economy principles and undermine the rules of international trade," adding, "These attempts benefit no one."
Tensions between the two leaders continued over the Taiwan issue during the meeting. According to the White House, President Biden "made it clear that the United States opposes China's coercive and increasing aggressive actions toward Taiwan," and "reaffirmed the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and surrounding areas."
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