Washington (TDI): US President Donald Trump said that he will travel to Beijing in April, following an hour-long telephone call with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
The two leaders reaffirmed their efforts to stabilize bilateral relations. Trump also invited Xi for a state visit later next year, signaling renewed diplomatic engagement.
The call marks a significant exchange, after the two leaders met in Busan, South Korea, nearly a month ago, where they agreed to a temporary truce on tariffs.
According to both governments, the conversation covered a wide range of strategic issues, including trade negotiations, the Russian invasion of Ukraine, fentanyl controls and the status of Taiwan.
China’s state news agency emphasized the need for both countries to keep up the momentum and keep moving forward in the right direction on the basis of equality, respect and mutual benefit.
During the meeting in Busan, both leaders concluded a provisional tariff de-escalation. Under the terms of this understanding, Washington halved a 20% tariff as part of its efforts to limit fentanyl-related shipments.
Read More: Trump, Xi Strike Deal on Soybeans, Rare Earths and Fentanyl
Nonetheless, overall tariffs on Chinese exports remain near the 50% mark. These steps were viewed as essential to maintain the truce. Beyond trade, the leaders also discussed geopolitical issues.
Xi reiterated that Taiwan’s return to China is fundamental to Beijing’s interpretation of the post-war international order, while Trump made no public reference to Taiwan in his own remarks.
The island remains a central point of strategic divergence between Washington and Beijing, particularly amid China’s ongoing diplomatic confrontation over Tokyo’s statement regarding Taiwan’s security.
The Japanese Prime Minister later announced that President Trump contacted her to reaffirm the strength of US-Japan partnership. Takaichi said “We’ve been able to further confirm the close relationship between the US and Japan” also, “He told me I’m a very close friend and that I could call him any time.”
Trump’s outreach to both Xi and Takaichi reflects Washington’s effort to balance its long-standing security commitment to Japan with the desire to maintain diplomacy ahead of the President’s planned visit to China.
Tayyaba Arif
Tayyaba Arif is a student of International Relations, and takes keen interest in conflict reporting and the dynamics of regional and global affairs. She is especially committed to SDG 17, and believes in effective partnerships and promoting cooperative initiatives. She can be reached at tayyabarrif0@gmail.com
