Trump hails ‘very positive’ call with China’s Xi, signaling breakthroughs on trade and security
WASHINGTON, DC: Donald Trump said he held a “long and thorough” telephone conversation with Chinese President Xi Jinping, describing the call as “excellent” and pointing to potential progress on a wide range of geopolitical and economic issues, including trade, military matters and regional conflicts.
In a Truth Social post on Wednesday, February 4, Trump said the two leaders discussed topics spanning bilateral trade, Taiwan, the war in Ukraine, Iran and China’s purchases of US oil, gas and agricultural products. Trump also said the call touched on his planned trip to China in April, which he said he is “very much” looking forward to.
Trump says he discussed trade, energy and agriculture
Trump emphasized economic cooperation as a major theme of the call, particularly China’s consideration of expanding purchases of US agricultural goods.
He said Beijing is weighing lifting its soybean purchases to 20 million tons for the current season and has committed to buying 25 million tons next season.
The president also highlighted discussions regarding Chinese purchases of additional US oil and gas, an issue he has repeatedly framed as a way to reduce trade imbalances while supporting American energy producers.
Trump noted that the leaders also discussed airplane engine deliveries, suggesting movement on commercial aviation issues that have been strained by export controls and broader trade tensions.
Security issues and global conflicts discussed
According to Trump, the conversation extended well beyond economics. He said the two leaders discussed Taiwan, a perennial flashpoint in US-China relations, as well as broader military issues. Trump did not provide details on the substance of those discussions or whether any new understandings were reached.
The call also included discussion of the war between Russia and Ukraine and the “current situation with Iran,” Trump said, placing the exchange within the broader context of global security challenges involving major powers.
Trump said he and Xi also spoke about his planned April visit to China, which would mark a significant diplomatic engagement early in his current term. The president framed the call as a reflection of what he described as a strong personal relationship with Xi.
“The relationship with China, and my personal relationship with President Xi, is an extremely good one, and we both realize how important it is to keep it that way. I believe that there will be many positive results achieved over the next three years of my Presidency, having to do with President Xi, and the People’s Republic of China,” he said.
The White House did not immediately release additional details about the call. Chinese officials also did not immediately comment publicly on the conversation. Trump’s comments come as the United States and China navigate a complex relationship marked by economic interdependence, strategic rivalry and cooperation on select global issues.
