US and China Leaders Hold Diplomatic Call
On Monday, President Trump of the United States and President Xi Jinping of China engaged in a phone conversation, marking the latest interaction amidst ongoing discussions regarding trade and technology export policies between the two nations.
Topics of Discussion
President Trump stated on Truth Social that the call covered multiple subjects, including:
- Ukraine/Russia
- Fentanyl
- Soybeans and other agricultural products
He further remarked on a "good, and very important, deal for our Great Farmers" and affirmed the "extremely strong" relationship with China.
A statement from China's state news agency indicated that both countries should "keep up the momentum, keep moving forward in the right direction on the basis of equality, respect and mutual benefit, lengthen the list of cooperation and shorten the list of problems, so as to make more positive progress, create new space for China-U.S. cooperation and bring more benefits to the people of both countries and the world."
Recent Diplomatic and Trade Context
This interaction follows a previous phone call in September and a meeting last month in Busan, South Korea. Post-Busan, the U.S. reduced a 20% tariff, originally imposed to address fentanyl flows, by half. The average tariff on Chinese goods currently stands at just under 50%.
In October, trade negotiation teams from the U.S. and China reached a preliminary consensus. This led to the U.S. withdrawing additional threatened tariffs of 100% on Chinese goods. Concurrently, China temporarily suspended a planned export control regime on several refined rare earth materials for one year. These materials are vital components in various consumer and defense technologies, including automobiles, fighter jets, and semiconductor chip manufacturing.
The Chinese statement noted that the "China-U.S. relationship has generally maintained a steady and positive trajectory" since the September call, a development welcomed by both nations and the international community.
Future Engagements and Key Issues
President Trump's post also mentioned an invitation from President Xi to visit Beijing in April, and Trump's reciprocal invitation for a state visit to Washington later next year. Both leaders reportedly agreed on the importance of frequent communication.
According to the Chinese statement, the leaders also addressed China's position on Taiwan, an island China claims as part of its territory. President Xi emphasized that "Taiwan's return to China is an important part of the post-war international order." They also discussed Ukraine, with China advocating for a peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia.
This call occurs amidst a diplomatic disagreement between China and Japan, following comments by Japan's new prime minister describing a Chinese invasion of Taiwan as an "existential threat" to Japan. China has voiced objections at the United Nations regarding this statement and has implemented restrictions on some tour groups and flights to Japan.