Washington: Chinese President Xi Jinping urged US President Donald Trump to withdraw ‘negative measures’ against China, as reported by state media Xinhua News on Thursday. Xi made these remarks during a phone call between the two leaders, which was held at Washington’s request, marking the first conversation since tensions escalated over tariffs.

According to Anadolu Agency, the Chinese president emphasized the importance of effectively utilizing existing economic and trade consultation mechanisms. He stressed the need for both nations to engage on equal footing, respect each other’s concerns, and strive for mutually beneficial outcomes. Xi highlighted that steering the China-US relations back on course requires removing all forms of disruptions, with dialogue and cooperation being the only viable options.

During the conversation, both leaders agreed that their teams should continue implementing a consensus reached in Geneva. Trump extended a welcome to Chinese students wishing to study in the US, while Xi invited Trump to visit China again.

Meanwhile, Trump signed a proclamation to restrict foreign student visas at Harvard University, as announced by the White House on Wednesday. Trade negotiations between the US and China had stalled shortly after a May 12 agreement, which was aimed at lowering tariff rates during discussions.

The agreement had stipulated a 90-day suspension of most tariffs and a rollback of measures imposed since early April. However, both nations have accused each other of violating the terms. Trump claimed that China failed to uphold the agreement, while Beijing dismissed these allegations as ‘groundless’ and warned of strong countermeasures to defend its economic interests.

On Wednesday, Trump described Xi as ‘VERY TOUGH, AND EXTREMELY HARD TO MAKE A DEAL WITH.’