Xi urges ‘extreme caution’ from US on Taiwan matters, South China Sea disputes

President Xi Jinping has urged Washington to exercise “extreme caution” in handling matters related to Taiwan and avoid fanning “provocative actions” in the South China Sea, according to Beijing’s foreign ministry.

The ministry on Sunday released an online statement on the talks between Xi and outgoing US President Joe Biden on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meetings in Lima, Peru.

Taiwan independence forces were “fundamentally incompatible” with peace and stability in the region, Xi told Biden, as he called on Washington to explicitly oppose such moves and “support China’s peaceful reunification”, according to the statement.

“If the US wishes to maintain peace in the region, it is critical to recognise the ‘Taiwan independence’ nature of [Taiwanese leader William] Lai Ching-te and [his] … administration,” he was quoted as saying.

Xi also listed Taiwan among four “red lines” for exchanges with Washington – alongside democracy and human rights, political systems and Beijing’s development right – saying they must not be challenged.

Tensions have been high in the Taiwan Strait since its independence-leaning leader William Lai, branded by Beijing as a “troublemaker”, was sworn into office in May.