President Donald Trump has announced that he will visit Beijing in April and has invited Chinese President Xi Jinping for a state visit next year, following a recent phone call between the two leaders.
During the call, Trump and Xi discussed a variety of significant issues including trade tensions, Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the opioid crisis related to fentanyl, and the situation in Taiwan, as stated by both leaders and the Chinese foreign ministry.
Trump expressed his contentment with the relationship between the U.S. and China, stating, Our relationship with China is extremely strong! in a post on Truth Social.
According to a statement from China's state news agency, both countries are encouraged to continue fostering a positive trajectory based on equality, respect, and mutual benefit.
This communication follows their previous encounter in Busan, South Korea, where both leaders reached a truce regarding tariffs. The U.S. agreed to reduce a 20% tariff targeting Chinese goods in order to curtail the influx of fentanyl.
Despite the ongoing tariffs on Chinese exports averaging just below 50%, the overall U.S.-China relationship is reportedly maintaining a steady and positive direction, as welcomed by both countries and the global community.
In addition to trade discussions, the leaders also touched upon Taiwan's significance in relation to Chinese interests and the post-war international order, with Xi emphasizing the importance of Taiwan's "return to China".
Meanwhile, U.S. officials express gratitude towards China's positive response to recent diplomatic efforts, as White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt commented on the one-hour conversation focused primarily on trade.
The dialogue also highlighted China's ambitions concerning Taiwan, amidst rising tensions and strategic considerations involving Japan and the U.S.
