President-elect Trump confirmed on Friday that he had a conversation with Chinese President Xi Jinping just days before his inauguration.
"I just spoke with Chairman Xi Jinping of China. The call was very productive for both China and the U.S.A.," Trump shared on Truth Social.
"I expect that we will address many issues together, starting immediately. We discussed balancing trade, combating fentanyl, addressing TikTok, and several other topics. President Xi and I are committed to making the world a safer and more peaceful place!"
China's state news agency Xinhua initially reported the call, which took place three days before Inauguration Day.
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Trump had invited Xi to attend the inauguration ceremony on Monday. While Xi declined the invitation, he is sending Vice President Han Zheng as his representative to Washington, D.C., according to an announcement from China's foreign ministry early Friday, prior to the two leaders’ call.
"We are ready to work with the new U.S. government to enhance dialogue and communication, properly manage differences, expand mutually beneficial cooperation, jointly pursue a stable, healthy, and sustainable China-U.S. relationship, and find the right way for our two countries to interact," the ministry stated, as reported by the South China Morning Post.
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During his campaign, Trump threatened to impose a 60% tariff on Chinese-made goods, fueling concerns about a potential trade war once he takes office. It remains uncertain whether he will follow through on this pledge amid already strained U.S.-China relations.
China has been accused of aggressive actions in the South China Sea, including threatening U.S. allies like the Philippines, Japan, and Taiwan. Allegations of Chinese espionage on U.S. military bases and the deployment of what was believed to be a surveillance balloon across U.S. territory have further complicated relations.
While Trump’s first term saw intensified trade competition and greater support for Taiwan, the Biden administration did little to ease tensions, leaving the U.S.-China relationship fraught as Trump prepares to begin his second term.
