Donald Trump Reveals He Will Visit China in April After Phone Conversation with Xi

Leader Donald Trump has confirmed that he plans to go to China's capital in the month of April and invited Chinese President Xi Jinping for a state visit later next year, after a discussion between the two officials.

Trump and Xi—who met recently in the Republic of Korea—covered a range of issues including economic relations, the situation in Ukraine, synthetic drugs, and the island of Taiwan, according to the U.S. leader and China's foreign ministry.

"Our relationship with China is very robust!" Trump stated in a Truth Social post.

Beijing's press outlet published a comment that indicated both states should "keep up the momentum, progress in the positive way on the foundation of fairness, esteem and shared interests".

Earlier Talks and Trade Developments

The leaders convened in Busan in the fall, after which they settled on a pause on import duties. The United States decided to cut a import tax in half aimed at the movement of fentanyl.

Duties continue on products from China and are around close to half.

"From that point, the bilateral relations has largely sustained a consistent and favorable course, and this is welcomed by the two countries and the wider global audience," the official comment added.

• The United States then retracted a warning of 100% additional tariffs on China's exports, while the Chinese government put off its intention to enforce its new set of restrictions on rare earths.

Focus on Trade

Official representative Karoline Leavitt commented that the phone discussion with Xi—which took around 60 minutes—was centered on commerce.

"We are pleased with what we've witnessed from the Chinese, and they feel the same way," she said.

Wider Discussions

Along with addressing commerce, Xi and Trump broached the topics of Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the island.

Xi stated to Trump that Taiwan's "return to China" is vital for Beijing's perspective for the "post-war international order".

China has been involved in a political dispute with the Japanese government, a U.S. friend, over the long-term "uncertain policy" on the control of Taiwan.

Recently, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stated that an eventual Chinese attack on Taiwan could compel a response from Japan's forces.

Trump, but, did not mention Taiwan in his Truth Social post about the call.

US Ambassador to Japan, George Glass, had earlier stated that the US backs Tokyo in the aftermath of China's "coercion".