Donald Trump has confirmed plans to visit China following what he described as a “very good” phone conversation with Chinese President Xi Jinping, breaking a months-long silence between the two leaders that began when the US launched a trade war against Beijing earlier this year. Trump, speaking from the Oval Office alongside German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, said that he and Xi had extended mutual invitations to visit each other's countries, adding, “We both accepted, so I will be going there with the First Lady at a certain point and he will be coming here hopefully with the First Lady of China.”

 

Although Trump announced the reciprocal invites, the Chinese government has only confirmed its own invitation for Trump to visit China. The call, which reportedly lasted an hour and a half, was described by Trump on social media as productive and “resulted in a very positive conclusion for both countries,” with trade being the central focus. Chinese state media confirmed the conversation took place and said it was initiated at the request of the White House.

 

According to China’s official Xinhua news agency, Xi used the call to urge the US to “withdraw the negative measures it has taken against China.” He also emphasized that China had kept its promises and that both countries should honor the consensus reached during previous negotiations in Geneva. That agreement, reached in May, was supposed to significantly lower trade tariffs: the US agreed to reduce tariffs on Chinese goods to 30%, while Beijing cut its tariffs on US imports to 10% and pledged to ease restrictions on critical mineral exports. Both sides were given 90 days to work toward a broader trade pact.

 

However, the truce quickly began to unravel. Washington accused China of failing to resume exports of vital rare earth minerals and magnets used in car and computer production. China’s Ministry of Commerce denied the allegations and countered that it was the US who breached the deal by imposing fresh restrictions on semiconductor design software and revoking the visas of Chinese students.

 

Speaking after the call, Trump insisted the issue of rare earth elements was now resolved, saying, “There should no longer be any questions respecting the complexity of Rare Earth products.” He added that Chinese students were still welcome in the US, stating, “Chinese students can come, no problem, no problem – it’s an honour to have them frankly. But we want to check them.”

 

Beyond trade, the conversation turned toward Taiwan, a persistent point of tension between the two global powers. Chinese media reported that Xi warned the US to exercise caution in its dealings with Taiwan, particularly after recent comments by US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who told an audience at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore that China posed an “imminent” threat to the self-ruled island.

 

Xi reportedly cautioned that the US should “handle the Taiwan issue prudently to prevent a small number of Taiwan Independence separatists from dragging China and the US into a dangerous situation of conflict and confrontation.” China considers Taiwan a breakaway province destined to be reunified with the mainland, by force if necessary. The US does not officially recognize Taiwan’s independence but maintains military support for the island under the long-standing One China policy.

 

The renewed communication between Trump and Xi follows months of uncertainty and rising tension. Since taking office, Trump had repeatedly hinted that a call or meeting with Xi was imminent, but nothing materialized until this week. Growing impatient, Trump had recently expressed his frustration online, writing, “I like President Xi of China, always have, and always will, but he is VERY TOUGH, AND EXTREMELY HARD TO MAKE A DEAL WITH!”

 

While Trump relishes direct involvement in negotiations, Beijing traditionally prefers behind-the-scenes diplomacy led by designated officials. The Chinese leadership is cautious about high-level engagements being seen as concessions to foreign pressure. As both sides navigate this complex diplomatic terrain, Trump’s planned visit to China may signal a tentative thaw in a relationship fraught with economic, political, and strategic challenges.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from BBC  2025-06-07

 

 

Deeds and agreements not words trump.

Incoming TACO event

22 minutes ago, kwonitoy said:

Incoming TACO event

 

Taco is so last week. 

1 hour ago, blaze master said:

 

Taco is so last week. 

 

Are we back to weird?

 

Trump has gotten himself into very deep doo doo with China, as they were the wrong adversary to pick on. I think he is astonished that China has been playing him as hard as they have.

 

In my opinion China holds all the cards and Trump holds very few. China could punish the US in an untold number of ways if Trump does not relent, but we all know that he's the Taco, and he will bow down to Xi and surrender. More egg on the face of America. 

I believe that the high spot of any visit will be the formal opening of a Taco Bell franchise in Tianaman Square!

Oh boy, the great negotiator (who claimed he had made deals with over 200 countries, while in fact there wasn’t a single deal made) is at it again! Go Donald, and see how much more of your foot fits into your big mouth.

Trump is taking his “very large brain” to kiss Xi’s ass.