Xi Strikes Aggressive Tone on Taiwan, US Holds Firm on Arms Sales; CENTCOM Commander Testifies Before Congress

The Beijing summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping concluded its first day on May 14 with a notable flashpoint: Taiwan and U.S. arms sales to the island.

According to a statement released by China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Xi warned Trump that the two countries risked “clashes and even conflicts” if the Taiwan issue was not handled carefully.

The White House released a brief readout of the meeting between Trump and Xi. It made no mention of Taiwan, instead focusing extensively on the Iran war, the Strait of Hormuz, and economic cooperation between the two countries.

Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of U.S. Central Command, testified on Thursday before the Senate Armed Services Committee.

Cooper said that "Iranian-supported terror groups attacked U.S. troops and diplomats more than 350 times" in the 30 months prior to Operation Epic Fury.