Following a phone conversation with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Donald Trump announced plans to visit China. He stated that the call, described as “very good,” included a reciprocal invitation to the White House, although neither side has formally confirmed such a trip.
This marks the first communication between the two leaders since Trump initiated trade actions against Beijing in February. Chinese state media reported the call originated at the White House’s request.
Trump publicized the 90-minute conversation on social media, highlighting its focus on trade and claiming a “very positive conclusion for both countries.” He elaborated during a meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, stating, “He invited me to China and I invited him here… I will be going there with the first lady at a certain point and he will be coming here hopefully with the first lady of China.”
While the Chinese account acknowledged their invitation, it omitted Trump’s reciprocal offer. Xinhua news agency quoted Xi urging the US to “withdraw the negative measures it has taken against China,” emphasizing China’s commitment to previously reached agreements, referencing a recent Geneva deal.
Both nations have accused each other of violating this deal, initially touted by Trump as a “total reset,” aimed at significantly reducing tariffs. This followed Trump’s imposition of tariffs on various countries, with China bearing the highest rates, prompting retaliatory measures from Beijing, peaking at 145% tariffs.
A May truce lowered US tariffs on Chinese goods to 30%, while Beijing reduced levies on US imports to 10% and pledged to ease restrictions on critical mineral exports. The agreement set a 90-day deadline for a comprehensive trade deal.
However, subsequent talks stalled amid allegations of deal breaches. The US cited China’s failure to resume shipments of critical minerals and rare earth magnets, while the Chinese Ministry of Commerce denied these claims, counter-accusing the US of undermining the agreement through new computer chip restrictions.
Trump’s recent actions include new export restrictions on semiconductor design software and visa revocations for Chinese students. Following the call, Trump stated that concerns regarding rare earth products should be alleviated, adding that Chinese students were welcome but would face vetting.
Chinese state media relayed Xi’s cautionary advice to Washington on handling Taiwan, following US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s assertion of an “imminent” threat from China to the island. Hegseth highlighted Beijing’s potential use of military force to shift the power balance. China considers Taiwan a breakaway province and hasn’t ruled out force for reunification, while the US provides military support to Taiwan but adheres to the “One China” policy.
Xi, according to the Chinese readout, urged the US to act prudently on Taiwan to avoid conflict. The Trump-Xi call follows months of silence and fulfills a White House promise of early communication. Trump previously voiced frustration on social media, characterizing Xi as “VERY TOUGH, AND EXTREMELY HARD TO MAKE A DEAL WITH!”
Trump’s direct negotiation style contrasts with China’s preference for delegated teams and meticulously planned interactions, underscoring the complexities of their relationship and the inherent challenges in reaching mutually agreeable outcomes.
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