Trump Announces He Plans to Travel to China in Spring After Phone Conversation with President Xi

President Donald Trump has declared that he agreed to travel to Beijing in April and invited Chinese President Xi Jinping for a diplomatic trip in the coming year, subsequent to a discussion between the two officials.

Trump and Xi—who convened about a month back in the Republic of Korea—discussed a range of issues including trade, the Ukraine conflict, synthetic drugs, and Taiwan, per the former president and China's foreign ministry.

"The U.S.-China ties is very robust!" Trump wrote in a online message.

Official Chinese media released a comment that noted both countries should "keep up the momentum, progress in the correct path on the foundation of parity, esteem and shared interests".

Prior Engagement and Trade Developments

The leaders held discussions in Busan in the fall, following which they reached a ceasefire on import duties. The United States chose to reduce a 20% tariff in half targeting the flow of opioids.

Trade taxes remain on products from China and stand at close to half.

"From that point, the China-US relationship has largely sustained a consistent and favorable course, and this is welcomed by the two countries and the international community at large," the official comment noted.

• The United States then withdrew a threat of 100% additional tariffs on Chinese goods, while Beijing postponed its plan to implement its recent phase of limits on mineral exports.

Focus on Trade

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said that the Monday call with Xi—which took around 60 minutes—was centered on commerce.

"We are satisfied with what we've witnessed from the China, and they share that sentiment," she remarked.

Additional Issues

Along with talking about economic matters, Xi and Trump raised the subjects of the conflict in Ukraine and the island.

Xi told Trump that Taiwan's "reunification with China" is essential for Beijing's perspective for the "world order following wars".

The Chinese government has been involved in a foreign policy clash with Tokyo, a American partner, over the enduring "uncertain policy" on the authority of Taiwan.

Earlier this month, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stated that an eventual military action by China on the island could compel a Japanese military response.

Trump, however, did not discuss the Taiwan issue in his online message about the discussion.

America's envoy to Tokyo, George Glass, had earlier stated that the US stands with Japan in the context of Beijing's "intimidation".