Donald Trump Says He Will Visit China in April Following Discussion with Xi
Leader Donald Trump has declared that he will travel to the Chinese capital in spring and extended an invitation to Chinese President Xi Jinping for a official visit later next year, after a telephone conversation between the two heads of state.
Trump and Xi—who met recently in the Republic of Korea—covered a variety of topics including trade, the situation in Ukraine, fentanyl, and the island of Taiwan, according to the president and Beijing's diplomatic corps.
"Bilateral relations is very robust!" Trump wrote in a Truth Social post.
Official Chinese media issued a comment that noted both nations should "maintain progress, keep moving forward in the correct path on the basis of equality, mutual respect and shared interests".
Earlier Talks and Economic Agreements
The heads of state met in the South Korean city of Busan in the fall, after which they settled on a pause on trade taxes. The U.S. government chose to slash a import tax by 50% aimed at the flow of the drug fentanyl.
Trade taxes remain on products from China and are around close to half.
"Since then, the Sino-American ties has mostly kept a stable and upward path, and this is appreciated by the both nations and the international community at large," the Chinese statement added.
- The US then retracted a warning of double tariffs on products, while China delayed its plan to implement its recent phase of restrictions on rare earths.
Focus on Trade
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that the Monday call with Xi—which went on for an hour—was focused on economic issues.
"The U.S. is happy with what we've witnessed from the Chinese, and they feel the same way," she said.
Additional Issues
In addition to discussing commerce, Xi and Trump discussed the issues of the conflict in Ukraine and Taiwan.
Xi told Trump that Taiwan's "return to China" is essential for China's vision for the "world order following wars".
Beijing has been part of a political dispute with Tokyo, a American partner, over the long-term "strategic ambiguity" on the sovereignty of the independently administered island.
Earlier this month, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi commented that a potential Chinese attack on Taiwan could compel a response from Japan's forces.
Trump, but, did not mention the Taiwan issue in his Truth Social post about the discussion.
US Ambassador to Japan, George Glass, previously said that the US supports Tokyo in the wake of China's "intimidation".
