Chinese leader Xi Jinping and President-elect Donald Trump reportedly pledged to collaborate on significant matters during an uncommon phone conversation prior to next week’s inauguration, which will see Beijing represented by its vice president.
This seems to be the inaugural direct communication between the two since Trump departed from office following his first term in 2021.
Xi earlier congratulated Trump on his electoral victory, and Trump has informed interviewers that the two have communicated through intermediaries.
China’s official statement of the call, released by state media, indicated that the two parties concurred on the establishment of a strategic communication channel to ensure ongoing dialogue on significant matters.
It reported Trump expressing to Xi his eagerness for their meeting at the earliest opportunity.
Xi welcomed Trump on his return to the White House and expressed optimism that, despite unavoidable differences between the U.S. and China, the two nations can cultivate shared interests and explore avenues for collaboration, suggesting they may even become partners and friends.
Xi urged Trump to address the Taiwan issue “with prudence,” emphasizing its significance for national sovereignty and territorial integrity, according to official media.
The sole further specific matters referenced in China’s communiqué pertained to nonspecific discussions concerning the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.
The call occurred early Friday, only hours prior to the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold a legislation that may compel TikTok to exit the U.S. on Sunday.
China’s statement did not include TikTok, and Trump did not provide further details regarding the app’s discussion.
Earlier today, Beijing announced that Vice President Han Zheng would represent China at Monday’s inauguration as Xi’s special representative, after Trump’s atypical invitation for Xi to attend.
The Chinese government, in disclosing Xi’s intention to dispatch an ambassador, stated that it adheres to the values of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation in its relationship with the United States, aiming to enhance bilateral relations.
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