Trump Says He Plans to Travel to China in Spring Subsequent to Call with President Xi

Placeholder Leaders in Discussion

Leader Donald Trump has declared that he will travel to China's capital in April and asked Chinese President Xi Jinping for a official visit later next year, after a telephone conversation between the two leaders.

Trump and Xi—who met about a month back in the Republic of Korea—talked about a range of issues including trade, Russia's invasion of Ukraine, synthetic drugs, and Taiwan, as stated by the U.S. leader and Chinese officials.

"The U.S.-China ties is very robust!" Trump posted in a Truth Social post.

Beijing's press outlet released a announcement that noted both countries should "keep up the momentum, keep moving forward in the positive way on the basis of parity, mutual respect and common gain".

Earlier Talks and Economic Agreements

The leaders held discussions in Busan, South Korea in October, subsequently they agreed to a truce on tariffs. The U.S. government opted to slash a 20% tariff in half targeting the movement of the drug fentanyl.

Tariffs remain on imports and stand at nearly 50 percent.

"Since then, the bilateral relations has generally maintained a consistent and favorable course, and this is greeted positively by the each side and the wider global audience," the Chinese statement noted.

  • The United States then retracted a warning of double tariffs on Chinese goods, while China postponed its plan to implement its recent phase of restrictions on rare earths.

Economic Emphasis

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said that the phone discussion with Xi—which went on for an hour—was mainly about commerce.

"We are pleased with what we've witnessed from the Chinese, and they agree," she noted.

Wider Discussions

Along with discussing commerce, Xi and Trump raised the subjects of the conflict in Ukraine and Taiwan.

Xi told Trump that Taiwan's "return to China" is vital for Beijing's perspective for the "world order following wars".

Beijing has been engaged in a diplomatic battle with the Japanese government, a American partner, over the long-term "uncertain policy" on the authority of the independently administered island.

Earlier this month, Tokyo's head Sanae Takaichi said that any assault from Beijing on Taiwan could force a response from Japan's forces.

Trump, but, did not mention the island in his Truth Social post about the call.

The U.S. representative in Japan, George Glass, noted before that the US supports the Japanese in the context of China's "intimidation".

Jeffrey Young
Jeffrey Young

A passionate writer and traveler sharing insights on lifestyle and culture from across the UK and beyond.