Trump expects Xi visit to U.S., hints at new trade deal amid ongoing tensions

Reuters

Washington, D.C., February 19, 2025 – U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Air Force One that he expects Chinese President Xi Jinping to visit the United States, though he did not provide a specific timeline for the trip.

Trump also suggested that a new trade deal between the two countries is "possible," a development seen as key to easing or delaying contentious trade tariffs.

Speaking to reporters as he traveled aboard Air Force One, Trump said, “We’ll have, ultimately, President Xi, we will have everybody coming,” referring to the anticipated visits of global leaders. He noted that the exchange with Xi could help resolve issues surrounding tariffs and other trade matters that have long strained U.S.-China relations.

Trump, who has been in discussions with Chinese officials about TikTok—amid efforts to broker a sale of the popular app owned by Chinese firm ByteDance—claimed that he had spoken to Xi since taking office, although he declined to share details of their conversation. China’s foreign ministry did not directly comment on Trump’s remarks, instead referring reporters to a scheduled call that took place before Trump assumed office.

The president’s comments come against a backdrop of enduring tensions between Washington and Beijing, with disputes spanning trade tariffs, cybersecurity, TikTok, Taiwan, Hong Kong, human rights, and the origins of COVID-19. Xi last visited the United States in November 2023 for a summit with then-U.S. President Joe Biden, during which the two leaders agreed to resume military-to-military communications and take steps to curb fentanyl production.

In addition to addressing U.S.-China relations, Trump also touched on his views regarding the conflict in Ukraine. “We can make a deal with Russia to stop the killing,” he said, adding that he believed Russia held significant leverage after having captured substantial territory. Trump’s remarks underscored his broader approach to international negotiations, positioning himself as a dealmaker on multiple global fronts.

As both the United States and China navigate complex economic and geopolitical challenges, a potential visit from President Xi could serve as an important signal toward renewed dialogue. However, with no timeline in sight, observers will be watching closely for further indications of how the two nations plan to address their long-standing issues.

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