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The President of the United States, Donald Trump, confirmed on Wednesday a "long and detailed" phone conversation with his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, in which they discussed a wide range of highly relevant economic and geopolitical issues.
In his Truth Social account, Trump shared details of the conversation, which signifies a noticeable reactivation of the direct communication channel between both powers amid global tensions and long-term bilateral challenges.
"I just had an excellent phone conversation with President Xi of China," Trump wrote on his platform.
"It was a long and thorough call, during which many important topics were discussed," he added, emphasizing the strategic nature of the exchange.
Among the key points highlighted by the U.S. leader are trade, military, and diplomatic issues, as well as his planned visit to Beijing in April.
The agenda included key topics such as Taiwan, the war between Russia and Ukraine, the current situation with Iran, and bilateral operations in energy and agricultural trade.
On this last point, Trump revealed that China is considering significantly increasing its agricultural purchases from the United States, highlighting a possible rise in soybean imports: “including an increase in soybean production to 20 million tons for the current season (they have committed to 25 million tons for the next!).”
The president also highlighted advancements in strategic sectors such as the aerospace industry, mentioning that “the delivery of aircraft engines” was among the topics discussed.
Trump concluded his post with an optimistic assessment: “Everyone is very positive! The relationship with China, and my personal relationship with President Xi, is extremely good, and we both understand the importance of keeping it that way.”
Xi calls for mutual respect and warns about Taiwan
On the Chinese side, the conversation was also prominent, although with a more diplomatic tone.
According to the official version broadcast by state television CCTV and China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, President Xi Jinping emphasized that the differences between the two countries can be resolved through "mutual respect" and ongoing dialogue.
"Addressing the differences one by one and continuously fostering mutual trust, we can pave the way for both countries to get along well," expressed Xi.
In a conciliatory tone, he added: “Let us make 2026 a year in which China and the United States, as two great states, advance towards mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and beneficial cooperation for all.”
However, the Chinese leader did not miss the opportunity to warn about what he considers a red line: Taiwan.
"The issue of Taiwan is the most important matter in the relations between China and the United States," he stated.
He was emphatic in his exhortation: "The United States must handle the sale of arms to Taiwan with caution."
Xi emphasized the sovereign stance of his government, reminding that “China will never allow Taiwan to separate.”
and that his country "must defend its national sovereignty and territorial integrity." A message that reinforces the "one China" policy and comes just after a virtual meeting between Xi and Russian President Vladimir Putin, placing the dialogue with Trump on a complex geopolitical chessboard.
A bilateral relationship laden with challenges
Despite the significant differences on issues such as Taiwan, trade relations between both nations remain a fundamental pillar of the bilateral relationship.
During the call, plans were discussed to increase China's purchase of oil and gas from the United States, a point that Trump emphasized as part of his strategy to strengthen the domestic economy.
Military topics were also discussed, although without specific public details, in a context where both powers continue to strengthen their defensive and technological capabilities.
Trump, who seeks to consolidate his second term with an active foreign policy, expressed optimism about the future of bilateral relations.
“I believe that many positive outcomes will be achieved during the next three years of my presidency related to President Xi and the People's Republic of China.”
The last time both leaders spoke on the phone was at the end of November.
The resumption of contact occurs while the U.S. administration keeps open the possibility of military actions against Iran, a nation with which China has maintained economic relations despite the sanctions imposed by Washington.
Path to a visit in April
Another significant point was the mention of an upcoming trip by Trump to China.
"The trip I will take to China in April (which I am eagerly looking forward to!)" -he wrote- "leaves the possibility open for a new bilateral summit aimed at resolving points of tension or reinforcing strategic agreements."
From Beijing, the official note omitted mentioning this possible visit, although it did acknowledge that "the two leaders discussed the major summits that both countries will host next year, which could provide opportunities for new meetings."
This nuance reflects the traditional cautious tone of Chinese diplomacy, which tends to avoid explicit commitments before reaching final agreements.
The joint message, despite differences in emphasis, reflects a mutual interest in stabilizing the bilateral relationship.
The war in Ukraine, tensions in the Middle East, and global technological competition create a highly volatile context in which both the United States and China have a vested interest in avoiding direct confrontation.
Xi insisted that China is "true to its word and keeps its promises," and called for "strengthening dialogue and mutual trust as we look towards the year 2026." For his part, Trump reiterated: "The relationship with China, and my personal relationship with President Xi, is extremely good."
Both leaders apparently seek to maintain a path of cooperation that does not eliminate disagreements but manages them pragmatically.
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