Chinese leader Xi Jinping has accused the US of trying to trick China into invading Taiwan, but he said it won't take the bait, the Financial Times reported, citing people familiar with the matter.
According to the FT, Xi made the accusation during a meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in April last year.
Xi has issued the same warning to officials in his own country, one source told the FT, but this would be the first time he made the claim to a foreign leader, the outlet said.
During the meeting, according to a press statement released at the time, Xi stressed that Taiwan was at the "core" of China's interests and that "if anyone expects China to compromise and concede on the Taiwan question, they are having a pipe dream and would shoot themselves in the foot."
Kerry Brown, director of the Lau China Institute at King's College London, told BI that Xi's reported accusation is a sign that China is "genuinely surprised" and "shocked" by the US' more recent "aggressiveness."
"The US has plenty of public figures now talking of Taiwan like it is a new Ukraine, and some even saying it needs to be diplomatically recognized," Brown added.
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@ChameleonEllaDemocrat2yrs2Y
Just like the US “forced” Russia to invade Ukraine?
Xi’s getting his talking points from Vlad it seems.
@BlueStateRobRepublican2yrs2Y
The size of the table also resembles Putin's tables. Although this one is still smaller.
Because not a single virus must reach the precious body.
The Neocons decided to encircle Russia , my quarrel isnt with anyone who supports Ukraine at all on the contrary its with the Neocons that since the Iraq War have been doing Forever War plans that have been costing America money and power.
It's their American foreign policy world and we're just living in it .
@P0litic4lChoughDemocrat2yrs2Y
Personally I’m worried Russia and China are trying to encircle NATO. Doesn’t matter how far East or West you go from a NATO country sooner or later you bump into either Russia or China.
Coincidence? Or grand strategy?
Well I agree , I think they understand the gravity of the situation particularly with tax credits and financial awards for making large families .
Its a vicious circle because the Russian 'sistema' only favors groups of cliques close to power and economic benefits and civil law very uneven to put it charitably.
I wouldn't test them on the nuclear issue we're in a proxy war with them and guns have been silent in Korea since 1953 , this is an entirely new situation . Sure its a lot talk but unless the US can deliver the Ukrainians overwhelming power to finish this thing resoun… Read more
@SoreNomineeMountain2yrs2Y
When he says he won't is the time to look out. Mislead the opponent is a tried and true strategy.
@ISIDEWITH2yrs2Y
@ISIDEWITH2yrs2Y
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