Sparking a Deal in the Trade War: A Phone Call Between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping
Trump and Xi Jinping engaged in a telephone conversation.
In the heart of a heated trade dispute between the two economic titans, the leaders of China and the USA engage in a phone conversation. This conversation, as per an official report by China's state-run news agency Xinhua, was requested by US President Donald Trump himself. This marks the first known phone call between the two presidents since Trump took office, following a brief discussion before the inauguration.
On a Wednesday post on Truth Social, Trump declared his appreciation for Xi but admitted the challenge of striking a "deal" with the Chinese leader. He then disclosed a tiny victory: the US president labeled the call as "very good" and lasting approximately 90 minutes. From Trump's statements, the content of the call revolved around the trade standoff between the two nations, with no discussion about the Ukraine conflict or other global hotspots.
In his Truth Social post, Trump asserted that the conversation led to "an excellent outcome for both countries." He further added, "The complexity of rare earth products is no longer a question. Our teams will reunite soon at an undecided location,” Trump said. He promptly appointed Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer to the US delegation.
Chinese President Xi Jinping, though, maintained a more moderate stance, as suggested by a Chinese statement. Xi supposedly reminded Trump to uphold mutual agreements. Xi stated that the Chinese are known for their commitment to keeping their promises. Since a consensus was reached back in May in Geneva, both sides should conform to it. The Chinese side has faithfully implemented the agreement, Xi reportedly added.
Peking demanded that the US side objectively analyze the progress made and halt adverse measures against China. The two heads of state agreed that their teams should carry on implementing the consensus and convene a new round of negotiations as swiftly as possible.
Trump further announced at a White House press conference that President Xi extended an invitation for him and the First Lady to visit China, which he graciously accepted, reciprocating the offer.
A direct dialogue between the two presidents carries significant weight due to the raging trade conflict between the two countries. Since he ascended to power, Trump has championed a stringent trade policy against China, aggravating the long-standing conflict between the two nations, despite emphasizing a good relationship with Xi time and again. At one point, the Republican had boosted tariffs on Chinese imports into the US in several stages to astonishing heights of 145 percent, to which Peking countered with reciprocal tariffs.
Reaffirming the Resistance: Beijing's Statement
An hour before the Chinese media announcement, China's Foreign Ministry posted on X: "We implore the US to uphold fair competition, avoid politicizing trade issues, and establish a fair, just, and non-discriminatory environment for Chinese and foreign companies alike. China will enact all requisite measures to safeguard the legitimate and lawful rights and interests of Chinese companies."
Beijing also upheld its opposition to the US's attempt to revoke visas for Chinese students. "It is mobility that fosters exchange and cooperation between countries," it asserted.
Sources:
- Business Insider
- CBS News
- China
- USA
- Trade conflicts
- Trade relations
- Exports
- Donald Trump
- Xi Jinping
- Tariffs
- The ongoing trade conflict between China and the USA, as well as other related policy and legislation matters, fall under the umbrella of general news and politics.
- The phone conversation between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, marking the first known call since Trump took office, is expected to have a significant impact on employment policies, especially in sectors dealing with trade relations, exports, and rare earth products.
