New Delhi, May 14 -- Chinese leader Xi Jinping offered stark warnings about avoiding possible clashes between his nation and the U.S. on Thursday and even cautioned visiting President Donald Trump that Washington's handling of its relations with Taiwan could lead to "conflicts" that might put "the entire relationship in great jeopardy."

The stern tone was a sharp contrast to Trump, who opened the highly anticipated summit with Xi by praising his Chinese counterpart and declaring that "it's an honor to be your friend."

The contrast underscored just how far apart the leaders remain on thorny issues including the war in Iran, trade disputes and Washington's relationship with Taiwan - and suggested that Trump and Xi's highly anticipated mee...