China’s President Xi Jinping advised European Commission head Ursula von der Leyen that Washington was making an attempt to “goad Beijing into attacking Taiwan,” the Financial Times stated on Saturday.
In a report based mostly on info from individuals aware of the matter, the British every day stated Xi issued the warning in a gathering with von der Leyen in April 2023. She paid an official go to to China final yr which coincided with the state go to of French President Emmanuel Macron.
According to the newspaper, Xi stated the US was making an attempt to trick China into invading Taiwan, however that he wouldn’t take the bait.
The revelation comes as tensions are excessive throughout the Taiwan Strait. China responded to final month’s inauguration of Lai Ching-te as Taiwan’s new president with army drills across the island, which it claims as its personal. Taipei, nonetheless, insists on its independence since 1949.
Xi’s remarks are most likely the primary recognized case of him making the declare to a overseas chief.
The Chinese chief additionally stated {that a} battle with the US would undermine his purpose of attaining a “great rejuvenation” by 2049.
US officers have, lately, elevated engagement with Taiwan however the administration says it stays dedicated to its longstanding one-China coverage.
At the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore this month, Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun stated the nation’s army was able to “forcefully” cease Taiwan’s independence.
Earlier, the Foreign Ministry stated these supporting independence for Taiwan would discover themselves “crushed.”
Source: www.anews.com.tr