Trump Reveals He Plans to Travel to China in April Following Phone Conversation with Xi
President Donald Trump has declared that he agreed to travel to China's capital in spring and invited Chinese President Xi Jinping for a diplomatic trip next year, following a discussion between the two heads of state.
Trump and Xi—who met nearly a month ago in Korea—discussed a range of issues including commerce, the Ukraine conflict, fentanyl, and the Taiwan issue, per the president and China's foreign ministry.
"Our relationship with China is extremely strong!" Trump stated in a online message.
Official Chinese media issued a announcement that said both countries should "maintain progress, progress in the right direction on the foundation of equality, mutual respect and mutual benefit".
Earlier Talks and Economic Agreements
The heads of state held discussions in the South Korean city of Busan in October, subsequently they reached a ceasefire on tariffs. The U.S. government opted to slash a import tax by half intended to decrease the movement of the drug fentanyl.
Trade taxes stay on imports and average just below 50%.
"Afterwards, the bilateral relations has largely sustained a consistent and favorable course, and this is appreciated by the each side and the international community at large," the Beijing's announcement noted.
- America then pulled back a threat of 100% additional tariffs on products, while the Chinese government delayed its plan to enforce its latest round of limits on mineral exports.
Commerce Discussions
Official representative Karoline Leavitt stated that the recent conversation with Xi—which took around 60 minutes—was centered on economic issues.
"We are satisfied with what we've witnessed from the China, and they feel the same way," she remarked.
Wider Discussions
Besides addressing commerce, Xi and Trump broached the topics of the Ukraine war and the Taiwan situation.
Xi stated to Trump that Taiwan's "integration into China" is vital for the Chinese outlook for the "global system after conflicts".
Beijing has been engaged in a political dispute with Tokyo, a U.S. friend, over the longstanding "vague stance" on the authority of Taiwan.
Recently, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stated that an eventual Chinese attack on Taiwan could compel a reaction by Tokyo's army.
Trump, but, did not mention Taiwan in his social media update about the discussion.
US Ambassador to Japan, George Glass, had earlier stated that the U.S. government stands with Tokyo in the wake of China's "coercion".