U.S. President Donald Trump has agreed to travel to Beijing in April and has invited Chinese President Xi Jinping for an official visit to the United States next year. The announcement follows a telephone conversation between the two leaders.
Trump, who met Xi nearly a month earlier in South Korea, said their latest discussion touched on several key issues, including trade relations, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, fentanyl trafficking, and the situation in Taiwan. Writing on his Truth Social platform, Trump stated, “Our relationship with China is extremely strong.”
China’s state-run news agency reported that both countries stressed the importance of continuing the positive momentum built on equality and mutual benefit.
Trade Talks and Adjustments on Tariff Measures
During their meeting in Busan, South Korea in October, the two leaders had agreed to a temporary pause in their tariff dispute. The United States recently moved to cut by half the 20 percent tariff imposed to address fentanyl-related imports. However, the average tariff rate of about 50 percent on Chinese goods remains in place.
China’s official statement said, “China–U.S. relations are moving in a stable and positive direction, which has been welcomed by both countries and the international community.”
Following their latest understanding, the United States has withdrawn its warning to impose an additional 100 percent tariff on Chinese products, while China has put on hold its plan to tighten export controls on rare minerals.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said trade was the central topic of the nearly hour-long conversation. “We are satisfied with the behavior we are seeing from China, and they feel the same way,” she noted.
The Chinese statement added that the Russia–Ukraine war and the future of Taiwan were also part of the discussion.
