China's US ambassador warns about 'red lines' ahead of Trump, Xi meeting

China's ambassador to the United States has issued a warning about key "red lines" that China will not cross, ahead of upcoming discussions between the two nations' leaders in Washington. President Xi Jinping is set to visit the US for a summit with President Donald Trump, as both countries aim to stabilize their often tense relationship.

In a piece for the ruling Communist Party's official newspaper, Ambassador Xie Feng stressed the importance of adhering to principles of good faith and cautioned against the US inflating issues such as national security and economic imbalances to try to limit China's influence. China's ambassador emphasized that certain domestic matters, including Taiwan's status, human rights, differing development paths and economic systems, cannot be compromised.

He also cautioned that when cooperation occurs, both nations benefit, but confrontation harms both sides. China has long claimed sovereignty over the self-governing island of Taiwan, despite international recognition of Taiwan's separate government. The US is Taiwan's largest weapons supplier and staunchest supporter. In another commentary, the same newspaper argued that US perceptions of China and its fixation on the notion of strategic competition are fundamental causes of the recent difficulties in Sino-US relations.

The article suggested that both sides should appreciate the positive developments that have emerged, maintain the right path, and avoid interference to improve relations, which have been fraught with challenges in recent years.