Trump Accepts Invitation to Visit Beijing in April Following ‘Very Good’ Call with Xi

U.S. President Donald Trump announced Monday that he will travel to China this coming April, accepting an invitation extended by Chinese President Xi Jinping during a phone call that covered a wide range of issues from agricultural trade to the status of Taiwan.

Trump broke the news of the upcoming diplomatic travel on Truth Social, calling the conversation with the Chinese leader as a “very good telephone call” that served as a follow-up to their face-to-face meeting in South Korea on October 30.
“President Xi invited me to visit Beijing in April, which I accepted, and I reciprocated where he will be my guest for a State Visit in the U.S. later in the year,” Trump wrote. “We agreed that it is important that we communicate often, which I look forward to doing.”

While a White House official confirmed the call took place without offering immediate specifics, President Trump provided a detailed list of the topics discussed, including “Ukraine/Russia, Fentanyl, Soybeans and other Farm Products.”

The call signals a continued thawing of relations following months of trade friction. Since the two leaders met in Busan, South Korea, three weeks ago, tensions triggered by tariff policies appear to have de-escalated.

According to reports, the U.S. has lowered tariffs on Chinese goods by 10%, while China has halted its expanded curbs on rare earth exports and resumed the purchase of American agricultural goods.

“We have done a good, and very important, deal for our Great Farmers – and it will only get better,” Trump stated. “Our relationship with China is extremely strong! … Since then, there has been significant progress on both sides in keeping our agreements current and accurate.”

Xi echoed these sentiments during the call, according to Chinese state media. Xi noted that ties have stabilized since the South Korea meeting, telling Trump that “the facts again show that cooperation benefits both sides while confrontation hurts both.” He urged both nations to maintain this positive momentum.

Despite the progress on trade, significant geopolitical differences remain, particularly regarding Taiwan.

According to the state news agency Xinhua, Xi emphasized to Trump that Taiwan’s “return to China” is a fundamental component of the global order established after 1945.

“China and the United States once fought side by side against fascism and militarism, and should now work together to safeguard the outcomes of World War Two,” Xi reportedly said.

These comments come amidst a deepening diplomatic crisis between Beijing and Tokyo.

Tensions flared earlier this month after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stated that a hypothetical Chinese attack on democratically governed Taiwan could trigger a military response from Japan. Beijing views Taiwan as part of its territory and has not ruled out the use of force to take control of the island.

The two leaders also touched on the ongoing war in Ukraine. Trump noted the topic was part of their discussion, while Xinhua reported that Xi reiterated China’s support for efforts conducive to peace, calling on all parties to narrow their differences.

With the meeting set, the focus turns to “the big picture,” as Trump put it. “Now we can set our sights on the big picture,” he wrote.