U.S. President Donald Trump held an “excellent” phone call with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday, (4 February), to discuss trade, energy, Taiwan, Iran, and Russia’s war in Ukraine, ahead of Trump’s planned visit to Beijing in April.
The call came hours after Xi spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin, during which the two leaders pledged to strengthen bilateral ties amid a “turbulent” international environment.
Trump described his discussion with Xi as “very positive” and emphasised that both leaders valued maintaining strong personal and diplomatic relations.
During the call, Trump highlighted commercial ties between the U.S. and China, including energy purchases, agricultural products, and aircraft deliveries. He said China had agreed to increase its purchase of U.S. soybeans from 12 million tonnes to 20 million tonnes in the current season, with a commitment to 25 million tonnes next season.
Both sides did not comment on ongoing tensions over rare earth minerals or China’s role in Venezuela.
Xi, meanwhile, stressed that Taiwan remains the most important issue in China–U.S. relations, urging the U.S. to handle arms sales to the self-governing island with “great prudence” and reaffirming China’s position that Taiwan is part of its territory.
The U.S. approved an $11 billion arms package for Taiwan in December, one of its largest ever, to strengthen the island’s defences.
Trump also raised the situation in Iran, which has been experiencing unrest and a harsh crackdown on protestors, and Russia’s war in Ukraine, calling for Beijing’s cooperation in addressing these global flashpoints.
The Chinese readout framed the discussion in measured terms, noting that both sides had concerns but solutions could be found if approached with “reciprocity.”
Analysts expect Trump and Xi to finalise agreements on Boeing aircraft deliveries and other commercial deals during the April visit, potentially easing some tariffs on Chinese exports.
Trump has previously mentioned his personal relationship with Xi as a tool to advance U.S. strategic and economic interests, even as tensions continue over Taiwan, trade disputes, and competing geopolitical ambitions.
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