WSJ: Xi Jinping sets condition for Trump in trade talks

Chinese President Xi Jinping has set a condition for reaching a trade agreement with the United States, according to The Wall Street Journal (WSJ), citing government sources familiar with the talks.

Xi has demanded that U.S. President Donald Trump make an official statement opposing Taiwan’s independence. According to the source, the Chinese leader intends to use negotiations over a trade deal with Washington as a lever of pressure on Trump.

“The Chinese leader is planning to press his American counterpart to formally state the U.S. 'opposes' Taiwan’s independence,” the source told WSJ.