President Donald Trump has indicated he will visit Beijing in April, following a recent phone conversation with Chinese President Xi Jinping. This announcement comes as the two leaders emphasize the strength of their bilateral relationship.
The discussions included a wide range of pressing topics, such as trade dynamics, the conflict in Ukraine, the issue of fentanyl, and tensions surrounding Taiwan. Trump expressed optimism about U.S.-China relations in a post on Truth Social, stating, 'Our relationship with China is extremely strong!'
A statement from China's state news agency echoed this sentiment, urging both nations to maintain progress through principles of equality, respect, and mutual benefit.
Recent interactions, particularly the leaders' meeting in South Korea last month, have led to a temporary truce regarding tariffs. The U.S. has slashed a punitive tariff on Chinese goods from 20% to 10% aimed at reducing fentanyl shipments.
Despite these advancements, tariffs on Chinese imports still average about 50%. Both nations appear to appreciate the positive momentum, which has broader implications for the international community.
Xi and Trump also discussed Taiwan, with Xi highlighting its importance for China's vision of a post-war international order—an issue that remains contentious with Japan, a U.S. ally.
The call, which lasted about an hour, reflected a shared willingness to engage in trade negotiations, as outlined by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. She indicated satisfaction with the current trajectory of U.S.-China relations. As diplomatic discussions continue, the atmosphere surrounding their partnership remains cautiously optimistic.
