Trump Says He Plans to Travel to China in the Month of April After Phone Conversation with Xi Jinping

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President Donald Trump has declared that he plans to go to the Chinese capital in April and extended an invitation to Chinese President Xi Jinping for a state visit in the coming year, following a telephone conversation between the two officials.

Trump and Xi—who met 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, according to the former president and Chinese officials.

"Bilateral relations is extremely strong!" Trump wrote in a online message.

Beijing's press outlet released a announcement that noted both states should "continue advancing, proceed in the right direction on the principle of equality, esteem and common gain".

Prior Engagement and Commerce Progress

The leaders met in Busan, South Korea in October, after which they agreed to a truce on tariffs. The US opted to slash a import tax by half aimed at the supply of the drug fentanyl.

Trade taxes remain on products from China and average close to half.

"Afterwards, the bilateral relations has generally maintained a consistent and favorable course, and this is welcomed by the both nations and the international community at large," the Beijing's announcement noted.

  • America then pulled back a warning of double tariffs on China's exports, while the Chinese government put off its intention to enforce its latest round of limits on mineral exports.

Economic Emphasis

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said that the recent conversation with Xi—which took around 60 minutes—was focused on commerce.

"We are pleased with what we've seen from the Beijing, and they share that sentiment," she remarked.

Wider Discussions

Along with addressing commerce, Xi and Trump broached the topics of the Ukraine war and the Taiwan situation.

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

Beijing has been part of a diplomatic battle with the Japanese government, a American partner, over the long-term "strategic ambiguity" on the authority of the independently administered island.

In the past few weeks, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi commented that a potential assault from Beijing on the island could compel a reaction by Tokyo's army.

Trump, though, did not refer to the Taiwan issue in his Truth Social post about the discussion.

US Ambassador to Japan, George Glass, previously said that the U.S. government stands with Tokyo in the aftermath of Beijing's "pressure".

Timothy Torres
Timothy Torres

A tech writer and digital strategist passionate about emerging technologies and their impact on business and society.