President Donald Trump announced he will visit Beijing in April at the invitation of Chinese leader Xi Jinping and has invited Xi for a state visit to the U.S. later next year.
Trump revealed the plans after a phone call with Xi, during which they discussed Ukraine, fentanyl, American soybean purchases, and other key issues.
What they’re saying: Trump said, “Our relationship with China is extremely strong!” in a Truth Social post following the discussion.
- Beijing confirmed the call and said the topics included trade, Taiwan, and Ukraine, but did not mention any state visits.
- According to the Chinese Foreign Ministry, Xi emphasized that Taiwan’s reunification with mainland China is “an integral part of the postwar international order” and expressed hope for a “fair, lasting and binding peace agreement” in Ukraine.
Driving the news: The conversation takes place as Trump’s administration tries to end the war in Ukraine and China’s relationship with Japan sours over Taiwan; Japan’s Prime Minister said her country’s military could be involved if China acts against Taiwan.
- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi criticized Japan for “crossing a red line,” intensifying tensions in the region.
- Xi told Trump that China and the U.S. should “jointly safeguard the victory of World War II” and invoked their WWII alliance against fascism.
- The U.S. has not taken sides on Taiwan’s sovereignty but opposes force and is obligated by law to provide Taiwan with arms to deter attacks.
- Taiwan said it was officially notified this month that the Trump administration approved $330 million in arms sales, including fighter jet parts; China protested and called it a violation of the “One China” principle.
Go deeper: Xi said the Ukraine crisis should be resolved “at its root” and reiterated support for “all efforts that are conducive to peace,” despite Western governments’ claims that China enables Russia’s war.
- Trump posted that he and Xi discussed “Fentanyl, Soybeans and other Farm Products” and praised a deal helping U.S. farmers, noting China’s recent purchase of nearly two million metric tons of U.S. soybeans.
- U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins said China remains committed to buying 12 million metric tons of soybeans, with the White House also announcing a pledge for 25 million metric tons annually for three years—though China hasn’t confirmed.
- China imposed export restrictions on 13 chemicals used to make synthetic opioids like fentanyl; in response, the U.S. reduced tariffs on Chinese goods.
