Donald Trump Says He Is Set to Go to China in the Month of April Following Discussion with Xi Jinping
Former President Donald Trump has stated that he will travel to the Chinese capital in April and asked Chinese President Xi Jinping for a state visit later next year, subsequent to a discussion between the two officials.
Trump and Xi—who held talks nearly a month ago in Korea—talked about a variety of topics including trade, the Ukraine conflict, the opioid crisis, and the Taiwan issue, according to the U.S. leader and Beijing's diplomatic corps.
"The U.S.-China ties is very robust!" Trump stated in a Truth Social post.
Beijing's press outlet released a comment that indicated both countries should "continue advancing, keep moving forward in the correct path on the basis of parity, respect and mutual benefit".
Prior Engagement and Trade Developments
The leaders held discussions in the South Korean city of Busan in the fall, after which they agreed to a truce on trade taxes. The United States decided to slash a import tax in half targeting the supply of the drug fentanyl.
Trade taxes stay on products from China and are around nearly 50 percent.
"From that point, the Sino-American ties has largely sustained a steady and positive trajectory, and this is greeted positively by the two countries and the wider global audience," the Beijing's announcement added.
- America then pulled back a warning of full extra duties on products, while China put off its intention to implement its new set of limits on mineral exports.
Focus on Trade
Official representative Karoline Leavitt commented that the Monday call with Xi—which took around 60 minutes—was mainly about economic issues.
"We are pleased with what we've witnessed from the China, and they feel the same way," she said.
Broader Topics
In addition to talking about economic matters, Xi and Trump raised the issues of the Ukraine war and the island.
Xi told Trump that the island's "integration into China" is critical for China's vision for the "post-war international order".
The Chinese government has been involved in a foreign policy clash with Tokyo, a US ally, over the longstanding "uncertain policy" on the control of the independently administered island.
Recently, Tokyo's head Sanae Takaichi commented that a potential military action by China on Taiwan could lead to a reaction by Tokyo's army.
Trump, though, did not mention the island in his online message about the call.
US Ambassador to Japan, George Glass, previously said that the United States backs the Japanese in the context of Beijing's "intimidation".
