Trump Says He Will Visit China in April Following Call with Xi

Placeholder Leaders in Discussion

President Donald Trump has stated that he agreed to travel to Beijing in the month of April and asked Chinese President Xi Jinping for a state visit next year, subsequent to a discussion between the two officials.

Trump and Xi—who held talks nearly a month ago in Korea—talked about a variety of topics including economic relations, Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the opioid crisis, and the Taiwan issue, according to the U.S. leader and Beijing's diplomatic corps.

"The U.S.-China ties is very robust!" Trump wrote in a online message.

Beijing's press outlet published a announcement that said both states should "continue advancing, progress in the correct path on the foundation of equality, mutual respect and mutual benefit".

Prior Engagement and Commerce Progress

The officials convened in the South Korean city of Busan in the fall, after which they reached a ceasefire on trade taxes. The United States chose to cut a 20 percent duty by half targeting the movement of opioids.

Duties continue on imports and average just below 50%.

"From that point, the bilateral relations has generally maintained a consistent and favorable course, and this is greeted positively by the two countries and the broader international community," the official comment added.

  • The US then pulled back a threat of double tariffs on Chinese goods, while Beijing postponed its scheme to introduce its new set of rare earth export controls.

Focus on Trade

Official representative Karoline Leavitt stated that the Monday call with Xi—which went on for an hour—was centered on commerce.

"The U.S. is happy with what we've witnessed from the China, and they share that sentiment," she noted.

Additional Issues

In addition to addressing trade, Xi and Trump raised the subjects of the conflict in Ukraine and the Taiwan situation.

Xi told Trump that Taiwan's "integration into China" is critical for Beijing's perspective for the "global system after conflicts".

China has been engaged in a political dispute with Tokyo, a U.S. friend, over the long-term "vague stance" on the authority of self-governed Taiwan.

Earlier this month, Tokyo's head Sanae Takaichi stated that an eventual Chinese attack on the island could force a Japanese military response.

Trump, but, did not mention the Taiwan issue in his social media update about the call.

US Ambassador to Japan, George Glass, had earlier stated that the US supports the Japanese in the wake of Beijing's "coercion".

James Beck
James Beck

Certified fitness coach and nutritionist passionate about helping others lead healthier lives through sustainable practices.