WASHINGTON, Sept. 24 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Thursday that China hopes the U.S. side will adhere to the correct position of opposing "Taiwan independence," and handle the Taiwan question with prudence to lay a solid foundation for bilateral strategic cooperation and the development of China-U.S. ties.

In his talks with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House, Xi also said China's position on safeguarding its national unity and territorial integrity is crystal clear.