Beijing: US President Donald Trump on Monday described his phone conversation with Chinese President Xi Jinping as 'very good,' adding that he accepted an invitation to visit Beijing in April.
According to Anadolu Agency, Trump stated via his social media platform Truth Social that the two leaders discussed a range of topics including Ukraine/Russia, Fentanyl, Soybeans, and other farm products. Trump highlighted the importance of the discussions for American farmers, indicating that the bilateral trade agreement would continue to benefit them. The call followed a successful meeting between the two leaders in South Korea last month, which Trump described as having made significant progress on existing agreements.
During the call, Xi extended an invitation to Trump to visit Beijing in April, which Trump accepted. He also extended a reciprocal invitation for Xi to visit the United States later in the year. Trump emphasized the strong relationship between the US and China, underscoring the importance of frequent communication.
According to Chinese state media, President Xi Jinping conveyed to Trump that the return of Taiwan to China was a crucial part of the post-war international order. Xi emphasized the necessity for Beijing and Washington to jointly safeguard the outcomes of World War II.
The issue of Taiwan remains a contentious point in US-China relations, with Beijing considering Taiwan a breakaway province and Taipei insisting on its independence since 1949. The US supports Taiwan's defense under the Taiwan Relations Act and the Six Assurances, with significant military presence in Japan, a key ally in the region.
The leaders also discussed the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, with Xi expressing support for peace efforts. A US plan to end the conflict was being discussed in Geneva, involving representatives from Washington, Kyiv, and European capitals.
The recent summit on October 30 in Busan, South Korea, where Trump and Xi agreed on a one-year trade and tariff agreement, was described by Xi as successful. He praised the meeting for recalibrating the course of China-US relations, which has maintained a steady and positive trajectory since then.
Chinese state media did not specify who initiated the call, but The Wall Street Journal reported that it was Xi who reached out, indicating a strategic move from Beijing to stabilize the US relationship and ensure Washington's commitment to its One China policy on Taiwan.