During a face-to-face meeting last month, Chinese leader Xi Jinping reportedly informed President Joe Biden of China's intentions to assert control over Taiwan, as per a report by NBC News. This revelation comes from three sources, a mix of former and current US officials.
The conversation took place on the sidelines of the Apec summit held in San Francisco in November. Although the official summaries of the meeting highlighted areas of agreement, such as addressing the climate crisis, the report suggests that the longstanding issue regarding Taiwan's de facto independence was also a topic of discussion.
According to NBC, Xi made a forthright claim to Taiwan, expressing a preference for a peaceful approach rather than a forceful takeover. Additionally, Xi countered US intelligence assessments that China aims to be ready to seize Taiwan by 2027, stating that no specific timeline had been set.
This report aligns with a similar account from Japanese news outlet Nikkei, which described Xi's comments about Taiwan as an effort to reduce tensions. While Xi indicated that China did not plan immediate military action, he outlined scenarios under which China might resort to force.
Amid economic challenges in China, Xi Jinping reportedly used the meeting as an opportunity to strengthen relations with the US and attract American business investment.
China has consistently claimed sovereignty over Taiwan, which declared its independence following the Chinese civil war in the 1940s. The recent meeting and its disclosures reflect the ongoing complexity and sensitivity of the Taiwan issue in Sino-American relations.
