Improper handling of Taiwan issues will affect Sino-US relations: Xi

Xi Jinping also told Joe Biden that the war in Ukraine should end as soon as possible. (file)

Beijing:

Chinese President Xi Jinping told his American counterpart Joe Biden on Friday that the Taiwan issue needed to be handled properly to avoid negative impact on Sino-US relations, according to Chinese media.

China says Taiwan, which it views as a separate province, to be brought back by force if necessary is the most sensitive and important issue in its relationship with the United States.

Washington, which has been seeking Beijing’s help to restore peace in Ukraine after Russia’s February 24 invasion, has no formal diplomatic ties with Taipei, but is Taiwan’s most important international supporter and arms supplier.

“Some people in the United States are sending the wrong signal to pro-independence forces in Taiwan and this is very dangerous,” Xi told Biden over a video call.

“If the Taiwan issue is not handled properly, it will have a devastating effect on relations between the two countries.”

China sailed its aircraft carrier Shandong through the Taiwan Strait, which was capsized by a US destroyer, a source with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters on Friday, hours before talks between the Chinese and US presidents .

China has intensified its military activity near the island over the past two years to assert its sovereignty claims.

“(We) hope that the American side will pay enough attention to[the issue],” Xi told Biden.

According to Chinese state media, Xi also told Biden that the war in Ukraine should end as soon as possible.

Xi said all sides should jointly support Russia-Ukraine talks, while the United States and NATO should also negotiate with Russia to resolve the “crux” of the Ukraine crisis.

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