Xi Jinping is attempting to exploit the cordial atmosphere in order to pressure Trump into concessions over Taiwan. He warned Trump that a lack of flexibility could have serious consequences. He wants Trump to sell out Taiwan. Not a single word about Taiwan came from the White House.

“If relations between the two countries are handled properly, they can help maintain overall stability,” the Chinese leader said according to the Foreign Ministry. “If handled poorly, the two countries will come into conflict or even clash, which would place the entire relationship between the United States and China in an extremely dangerous situation.”

“Taiwan independence” and peace across the Taiwan Strait are as incompatible as fire and water, Xi said. “Ensuring peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait is the greatest common denominator between China and the United States.”

Trump did not publicly respond to Xi’s statement.

To hint at war over Taiwan is unusual for Xi Jinping during a state visit. Even though the meeting has been a success with many new contracts for the United States, Xi will not let Trump forget what matters most to China: Taiwan.

Trump’s strategy is that good relations will deter China from invading Taiwan. The price would become too high. A war could threaten prosperity in China.

China emphasised raising the Taiwan issue, even after the United States for several days had indicated that it had no plans to make significant changes to its long-standing policy of not supporting Taiwan’s independence, while not going so far as formally to oppose it. The White House did not mention Taiwan with a single word.

American sources say that China agreed that Hormuz must remain open and that Iran cannot possess nuclear weapons. But for that we have only the Americans’ word. China says nothing.