China warns US to 'make the right choices' on Taiwan ahead of key summit
Photo: China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi (Getty Images)
China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi, during a conversation with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, urged Washington to “make the right choice” on the Taiwan issue, according to Reuters.
The phone call between Wang Yi and Marco Rubio took place on Thursday, April 30, a few weeks ahead of a planned summit between US President Donald Trump and China’s leader Xi Jinping in Beijing.
“The Taiwan issue concerns China's core interests," China’s top diplomat said, adding that the United States must "keep its promises and make the right choices in order to open up new space for China-US cooperation and make due efforts for world peace.”
He stressed that the Taiwan issue remains the “the biggest point of risk” in relations between the two countries.
“Both sides should safeguard the hard-won stability, make good preparations for agendas of important high-level interactions, expand cooperation, and manage differences,” he added.
China-Taiwan tensions
It should be recalled that relations between China and Taiwan have remained tense since 2016, when the Democratic Progressive Party came to power on the island, advocating greater autonomy from Beijing.
Since then, China has reduced official contacts and increased its military presence near the island.
Beijing considers Taiwan its territory and does not rule out the use of force for “reunification,” while Taipei insists on its sovereignty.
Taiwan’s president Lai Ching-te has repeatedly stated readiness to defend the country, while China continues to ramp up pressure — from military drills and aircraft incursions to economic and diplomatic restrictions.
At the same time, Beijing openly warns the US and its allies about consequences for supporting Taiwan and promises a “tough response” if weapons are supplied.
Against this backdrop, Western intelligence agencies do not rule out the possibility of a military invasion of Taiwan as early as 2026, making any signs of a “thaw” in relations particularly sensitive.
