President-elect Donald Trump said he had a good discussion on Friday with Chinese leader Xi Jinping on a number of issues, including trade, fentanyl and TikTok
The conversation comes ahead of Trump’s inauguration Monday.
Earlier, the Chinese state media Xinhua reported that Xi and Trump spoke by phone on Friday, but did not provide any further detail.
Trump, on his Truth Social page, said:
I just spoke to Chairman Xi Jinping of China. The call was a very good one for both China and the U.S.A. It is my expectation that we will solve many problems together, and starting immediately. We discussed balancing Trade, Fentanyl, TikTok, and many other subjects. President Xi and I will do everything possible to make the World more peaceful and safe!
Xi said he and U.S. President-elect Donald Trump both hoped for a positive start to China-U.S. relations during the latter's new term, Chinese state broadcaster CCTV reported
Both men placed great importance on interactions and wished to promote greater progress in China-U.S. relations, Xi was reported as saying in the call.
Trump said on Jan. 6 that he and Xi have been communicating through representatives, expressing optimism about their relationship.
The U.S.-China relationship is expected to be one of the main focuses of Trump’s second term, with tensions between the two superpowers looming in the areas of trade, technology and the self-ruled island of Taiwan, among other things.
Trump has threatened to slap tariffs of 60% on all Chinese imports into the U.S. But he has also in the past praised his relationship with Xi and has suggested China could help mediate international crises such as the war in Ukraine.
Xi will not attend Trump’s inauguration. China will be represented at the event by Vice President Han Zheng.
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