Trump says Chinese President Xi Jinping will visit the White House toward the end of the year, hinting at a possible thaw as Washington and Beijing seek to steady ties after trade tensions
US President Donald Trump has announced that Chinese President Xi Jinping will visit the White House later this year, hinting at a potential reset in relations between the world’s two largest economies.
Trump shared the update during an NBC News interview taped on Wednesday, the same day he held a wide-ranging call with Xi covering trade,
Taiwan, Russia’s war in Ukraine, and Iran.
“He’s coming to the White House, yeah – toward the end of the year,” Trump said. “These are the two most powerful countries in the world and we have a very good relationship.”
The US leader is expected to visit China in April, paving the way for Xi’s trip to Washington.
Trade tensions and economic ties
Since returning to the White House a year ago, Trump has leaned heavily on tariffs, introducing levies on steel, automobiles, and other goods while pursuing broader policy goals.
Relations have been
tense at times, but a broad truce with China emerged last spring following a major trade escalation. Despite US efforts to reduce reliance on Chinese manufacturing, both nations remain deeply interconnected economically.
Taiwan and bilateral talks
During Wednesday’s discussion, Xi cautioned Trump about arms sales to Taiwan, which China regards as part of its territory. He also expressed hope that ongoing issues, including trade, could be resolved peacefully.
“By tackling issues one by one and continuously building mutual trust, we can forge a right way for the two countries to get along,” Xi said, according to state broadcaster CCTV.
Trump described the conversation as “excellent” and added, “we both realise how important it is to keep it that way.”
Meanwhile, the US on Friday called for three-way talks with Russia and China to set new nuclear limits. Beijing, however, has declined to join disarmament negotiations “at this stage.”
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