Donald Trump Says He Is Set to Go to China in Spring Subsequent to Phone Conversation with Xi Jinping

Placeholder Leaders in Discussion

Former President Donald Trump has confirmed that he agreed to travel to China's capital in the month of April and invited Chinese President Xi Jinping for a official visit next year, after a phone call between the two leaders.

Trump and Xi—who held talks recently in the Republic of Korea—talked about a series of matters including commerce, Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the opioid crisis, and Taiwan, according to the president and Chinese officials.

"The U.S.-China ties is highly solid!" Trump stated in a social media update.

China's state news agency released a announcement that noted both states should "keep up the momentum, proceed in the right direction on the foundation of equality, respect and shared interests".

Prior Engagement and Trade Developments

The heads of state held discussions in Busan, South Korea in the fall, following which they agreed to a truce on import duties. The U.S. government decided to slash a 20 percent duty by 50% intended to decrease the movement of opioids.

Trade taxes stay on Chinese goods and stand at nearly 50 percent.

"Since then, the bilateral relations has largely sustained a stable and upward path, and this is welcomed by the each side and the international community at large," the official comment noted.

  • America then pulled back a warning of 100% additional tariffs on products, while the Chinese government delayed its intention to implement its latest round of rare earth export controls.

Economic Emphasis

Official representative Karoline Leavitt said that the Monday call with Xi—which went on for an hour—was mainly about economic issues.

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

Wider Discussions

Besides addressing trade, Xi and Trump raised the topics of the conflict in Ukraine and Taiwan.

Xi informed Trump that Taiwan's "return to China" is vital for China's vision for the "post-war international order".

The Chinese government has been part of a foreign policy clash with Tokyo, a U.S. friend, over the enduring "uncertain policy" on the sovereignty of the independently administered island.

Recently, Japan's leader Sanae Takaichi stated that any assault from Beijing on Taiwan could lead to a Japanese military response.

Trump, however, did not discuss Taiwan in his online message about the call.

US Ambassador to Japan, George Glass, had earlier stated that the U.S. government supports the Japanese in the context of China's "coercion".

Brittany Bruce MD
Brittany Bruce MD

A logistics expert with over a decade of experience in global shipping and travel efficiency, passionate about simplifying complex processes.