By The South Asia Times

BEIJING - Chinese President Xi Jinping urged the US to handle arms sales to Taiwan with “prudence” and warned that China will “never allow” the island’s separation, during a wide-ranging phone call with US President Donald Trump, according to Chinese state media.

The conversation, held Wednesday, covered trade, military tensions, and key geopolitical flashpoints ahead of a planned in-person meeting between the two leaders later this year.

Xi described Taiwan as “the most important issue in China-US relations,” stressing that Beijing must safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

“The United States must handle the issue of arms sales to Taiwan with caution,” Xi said, referencing a recently approved US defense package reportedly worth more than $11 billion for the self-governed island.

Despite the warning, Xi struck a conciliatory tone, saying China and the US could resolve differences “with an attitude of equality, mutual respect, and mutual benefit.”

He added that both sides should enhance dialogue, properly manage disputes, and expand practical cooperation to steer bilateral ties “steadily forward through wind and storms.”

Trump characterized the call as “excellent” and “long and thorough” in a post on social media, noting discussions on trade, Taiwan, the Russia-Ukraine war, Iran, and energy cooperation.

He said China is considering boosting purchases of American agricultural goods, including increasing soybean imports to 20 million tons this season and committing to 25 million tons next year, alongside potential oil, gas, and aircraft engine deals.

“The relationship with China, and my personal relationship with President Xi, is an extremely good one,” Trump wrote, expressing optimism about “many positive results” over the coming years.

Xi highlighted a busy diplomatic calendar for both nations, pointing to China’s upcoming 15th Five-Year Plan and its hosting of the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting, while the US prepares to host the G20 Summit and celebrate the 250th anniversary of its independence.

The call came just hours after Xi held a virtual meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, underscoring Beijing’s active diplomatic engagement amid shifting global alliances.

While both leaders signaled willingness to cooperate, Taiwan remains a major source of tension, with Beijing viewing the island as part of its territory and Washington continuing defense support  -- a dynamic likely to test relations even as the world’s two largest economies seek areas of collaboration.