Trump Discusses US-China Relations In Call With Xi Jinping

 President-elect Donald Trump announced he held a “very good” phone call with China’s President Xi Jinping as he prepares to return to the White House next week.

“I just spoke to Chairman Xi Jinping of China,” Trump shared on his platform, Truth Social. “It is my expectation that we will solve many problems together, and starting immediately.”

Trump noted the conversation covered trade, fentanyl, TikTok, and other pressing topics, describing it as beneficial for both nations. “President Xi and I will do everything possible to make the world more peaceful and safe!” he added.

Mutual Goals Amid Tensions

According to a statement from China’s Foreign Ministry, Xi emphasized the importance of “mutual interactions” and expressed hope for a “good start” to the US-China relationship during Trump’s upcoming term.

The call, believed to be the first between Trump and Xi since the end of Trump’s first presidency, comes during a period of heightened tensions between Washington and Beijing.

Shortly after the conversation, the US Supreme Court upheld a controversial ban on TikTok, set to take effect on Sunday. This follows escalating scrutiny over the app’s ties to China and potential risks to US national security.

China’s Foreign Ministry also confirmed that Vice President Han Zheng will attend Trump’s inauguration as Xi’s special representative, while Xi will not be present.

Looking Back and Ahead

In November, Xi congratulated Trump on his reelection, highlighting the potential for cooperation and emphasizing that both nations “stand to gain from cooperation and lose from confrontation.”

While Trump has often spoken warmly about his personal rapport with Xi—mentioning in interviews that they got along “very well” during his first term—his rhetoric toward China has also been marked by tough policies and strong criticisms.

On the campaign trail, Trump threatened significant tariffs on Chinese goods and demanded stronger action to curb the flow of illegal drugs into the US. His second-term cabinet includes officials known for their hardline stance on China, such as Marco Rubio and Pete Hegseth.

Challenges in US-China Relations

Xi acknowledged potential disagreements between the two powers, particularly regarding Taiwan, which Beijing considers a breakaway province. Trump’s stance on Taiwan has fluctuated. While initially supportive, he has recently suggested Taiwan should pay more for US protection and accused it of harming the American semiconductor industry.

Despite these challenges, the leaders’ dialogue signals the potential for collaboration on global issues. However, balancing cooperation with competition will likely define the relationship as Trump’s second term begins.


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