Trump Announces He Is Set to Go to China in Spring Following Phone Conversation with Xi
Former President Donald Trump has declared that he agreed to go to the Chinese capital in April and asked Chinese President Xi Jinping for a official visit next year, subsequent to a phone call between the two heads of state.
Trump and Xi—who convened recently in the Republic of Korea—covered a series of matters including trade, Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the opioid crisis, and the Taiwan issue, as stated by the president and Chinese officials.
"The U.S.-China ties is extremely strong!" Trump posted in a online message.
China's state news agency published a comment that said both nations should "maintain progress, keep moving forward in the right direction on the foundation of fairness, esteem and mutual benefit".
Prior Engagement and Economic Agreements
The leaders convened in Busan in last October, after which they reached a ceasefire on tariffs. The United States decided to slash a 20% tariff in half aimed at the supply of fentanyl.
Duties remain on imports and average close to half.
"Since then, the bilateral relations has largely sustained a stable and upward path, and this is greeted positively by the each side and the international community at large," the Chinese statement said.
- America then withdrew a threat of full extra duties on products, while China delayed its intention to implement its latest round of rare earth export controls.
Focus on Trade
Official representative Karoline Leavitt commented that the phone discussion with Xi—which took around 60 minutes—was mainly about trade.
"We are satisfied with what we've witnessed from the Chinese, and they feel the same way," she said.
Additional Issues
In addition to discussing trade, Xi and Trump raised the issues of Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the island.
Xi told Trump that the island's "return to China" is essential for the Chinese outlook for the "global system after conflicts".
The Chinese government has been part of a diplomatic battle with Tokyo, a US ally, over the enduring "uncertain policy" on the sovereignty of Taiwan.
Earlier this month, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi commented that a potential assault from Beijing on the island could compel a response from Japan's forces.
Trump, but, did not mention the island in his Truth Social post about the discussion.
America's envoy to Tokyo, George Glass, had earlier stated that the United States stands with Tokyo in the wake of China's "intimidation".