Trump described the relationship as “extremely strong” in a post on Truth Social, emphasising the positive momentum since his meeting with Xi nearly a month ago in Busan, South Korea. According to the White House, the latest discussion focused largely on trade, with officials suggesting both sides were encouraged by recent progress.
“We are pleased with what we've seen from the Chinese, and they feel the same way,” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said.
China’s state news agency issued a parallel statement, noting that both countries should “keep up the momentum” and advance ties on the basis of “equality, respect and mutual benefit.”
The Busan meeting had resulted in a temporary truce on tariffs, prompting the US to halve its 20% duty on certain Chinese imports. Despite this, average tariffs on Chinese goods remain just below 50%. The two sides also discussed fentanyl trafficking, Russia’s war in Ukraine, and tensions over Taiwan.
Monday’s call comes after months of strained relations marked by a renewed trade war earlier in the year. Both nations had imposed steep tariffs on each other’s goods, disrupting supply chains and raising global economic concerns.
Recent steps indicate limited breakthroughs. China agreed to suspend restrictions on exporting rare earth technologya critical input for electronics and electric vehicles while the US eased certain curbs on Chinese firms.
As preparations begin for Trump’s April visit and Xi’s potential Washington trip, diplomats view the upcoming exchanges as pivotal in determining whether the world’s two largest economies can restore a measure of predictability to their fraught relationship.
6.jpg)
6.jpg)
