A Phone Call Between Titans: Trump and Xi Jinping Discuss Trade Tensions
Trump and Xi Jinping held a telephone conversation.
In the midst of a heated trade battle, the leaders of the world's two largest economies have reportedly held a telephone conversation. According to China's state-run news agency Xinhua, President Donald Trump dialed President Xi Jinping for a chat. This was their first known conversation since Trump took office.
Though details about the conversation remain scarce, the White House and Chinese Foreign Ministry have yet to comment on the matter. Yesterday, Trump indicated on his platform, Truth Social, that dealing with Xi was like trying to forge a "deal" with a brick wall.
The trade spat between China and the USA has been a recurring theme since Trump's presidency. Declaring a tough stance against China, Trump has proportionately escalated the ongoing trade war, despite advocating for a harmonious relationship with Xi.
Hours before the reported phone call, the Chinese Foreign Ministry took a swipe at Trump on social media platform X, demanding a fair market environment for Chinese and foreign companies alike. Beijing also expressed concern over the US revoking visas for Chinese students, emphasizing cooperation as a key factor between nations.
Source: ntv.de, mpa/dpa/DJ
- Trade Relations
- Trade Conflicts
- USA
- China
- Leadership
Further Insights:
During the call, the leaders reportedly discussed the intricacies of a recently agreed-upon trade deal, with a particular focus on rare earth products, previously a contentious issue in negotiations [1]. Trump also insisted that the conversation excluded any topics related to Russia/Ukraine or Iran [1]. Additionally, Xi extended an invitation for Trump and the First Lady to visit China, an offer Trump happily accepted [1].
However, some reports suggest that the call centered on addressing allegations that China had broken a prior trade truce [2]. Despite differing perspectives, both parties are expected to meet soon, with high-level US representatives including Secretary of the Treasury Steve Mnuchin, Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, and U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer scheduled to attend [1].
- The discussion between Trump and Xi Jinping, as reported by Xinhua, may have revolved around the details of a recent trade agreement, especially focusing on the sensitive matter of rare earth products.
- Amidst the ongoing trade conflict, both the USA and China are also reportedly addressing allegations that China has violated a prior trade truce, as highlighted by some reports.
