China warns the US that Taiwan is its “first red line” and to monitor arms sales

For his part, Trump avoided referring to possible changes in US policy towards the island and limited himself to pointing out that he “understands China’s position”, according to the Asian giant’s Foreign Ministry.

Later, the spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council (Chinese Executive), Chen Binhua, assured today that Xi’s statements “clearly” stated Beijing’s “firm position” regarding the island and provided “fundamental guidance for carrying out work related to Taiwan.”

“The ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has repeatedly attempted to ‘seek independence by relying on external forces’ and ‘through force’, which has led to tensions and instability in the Taiwan Strait,” Chen said.

From the island, the Taiwanese president, William Lai, assured today that Taiwan “is not part of China” and defended that Taipei and Washington have “very good communication channels,” and stressed that the North American country “maintains unchanged” its orientation of allying with friendly and allied nations to “safeguard peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.”

From Washington, Trump described the call as “excellent” and “exhaustive” and assured that they addressed “trade, defense, Taiwan and the April trip I will make to China,” as he wrote on his Truth social network.

The US president noted that the conversation included trade issues “in favor of the United States,” such as China’s purchase of American oil and gas, the acquisition of aircraft engines and increased imports of agricultural products.

According to Trump, Xi is considering raising the purchase quota for American soybeans from 12 to 20 million tons this season within the trade agreement reached last October, which provides for annual imports of up to 25 million tons until 2028.

On the same day as the call with Trump, Xi held a video conference with Russian President Vladimir Putin, in which they discussed strategic cooperation and the international situation, including the expiration of the START III nuclear disarmament treaty between Russia and the US.

The spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry Lin Jian avoided commenting on the matter this Thursday and limited himself to indicating that both conversations were carried out “in accordance with the respective agendas” of the leaders, referring to the official statements already released.