Donald Trump and Xi Jinping recently held a significant phone call discussing various pressing issues, including trade, fentanyl, and TikTok. This conversation took place just days before Trump’s inauguration as President of the United States on January 20, 2025, marking their first dialogue since Trump’s election victory in November 2024.
Positive Tone: Both leaders characterized the call as constructive. Trump described it as “very good,” expressing optimism about resolving numerous issues collaboratively. He stated, “President Xi and I will do everything possible to make the world more peaceful and safe!”.
Trade Discussions: The conversation included discussions on balancing trade relations between the U.S. and China. Trump previously threatened to impose tariffs of up to 60% on Chinese imports during his campaign but has indicated a more moderated approach since his election.
Fentanyl Crisis: The leaders also addressed the issue of fentanyl, a significant concern for the U.S., as it is linked to the opioid crisis affecting American communities.
TikTok’s Future: A critical topic was TikTok, especially following a recent Supreme Court ruling that could lead to a ban unless the app is sold by its Chinese parent company, ByteDance. Trump mentioned considering a 90-day extension for TikTok to avoid an immediate ban, emphasizing the need for a resolution that respects national security concerns while allowing the platform to operate.
Taiwan Concerns: Xi raised China’s concerns regarding Taiwan, highlighting its importance to China’s national sovereignty. He urged that differences between the two nations should be managed with respect for each other’s core interests.
This call occurs amid heightened tensions between Washington and Beijing, particularly regarding trade practices and technological competition. As Trump prepares for his second term, the relationship with China is expected to be a focal point of his foreign policy agenda. The leaders expressed a mutual desire for a positive start to U.S.-China relations during this new administration. This dialogue reflects both leaders’ intentions to navigate complex bilateral issues while fostering cooperation where possible.
