WASHINGTON – A wide-ranging phone conversation between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping on February 4 highlighted ongoing efforts to manage the complex U.S.-China relationship, with discussions spanning Taiwan, trade imbalances, and the war in Ukraine. The call, which reportedly lasted for a important duration, comes amid a period of heightened global tensions and as President Trump prepares for a planned visit to China in April-a trip that would mark his first return to the country since leaving office in January 2021. Both governments characterized the exchange as productive, signaling a continued commitment to direct dialog despite persistent disagreements.
A phone conversation between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping on February 4 addressed a range of critical issues, including Taiwan, trade, and the war in Ukraine, signaling continued high-level dialogue between the two nations. The discussion comes as the U.S. and China navigate a complex relationship marked by both competition and areas of potential cooperation.
The call, the first between the two leaders this year, lasted for a significant period and took place over two months after their last conversation on November 24, according to statements released by both governments.
President Trump described the exchange as “a very good call” in a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, adding that it was “long and detailed.”
He outlined a broad agenda of topics discussed, including “trade, the military, my very much anticipated trip to China in April, Taiwan, Russia-Ukraine war, the situation in Iran, China’s purchase of U.S. oil and gas, consideration of additional agricultural purchases, aircraft engine supply and many other subjects.” Trump stated that all discussions were “very positive.”
China’s state-run Xinhua News Agency also reported on the call, quoting President Xi as stating that Taiwan is “the most important issue in China-U.S. relations.” He emphasized that “Taiwan is part of China” and that China “must safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity and will never tolerate Taiwan’s secession.”
President Xi urged the U.S. to “deal with the Taiwan issue prudently,” according to Xinhua.
In response, President Trump reportedly said he “attaches importance to the concerns of the Chinese side on the Taiwan issue” and expressed his hope to “maintain communication with China and keep China-U.S. relations better and more stable during his term,” as reported by Xinhua.
Beyond Taiwan, President Trump announced on Truth Social that China agreed to increase its purchases of U.S. soybeans to 20 million tons this season and committed to buying 25 million tons in the next season.
The inclusion of discussions about China purchasing U.S. oil and gas is particularly noteworthy given the current global energy landscape. China has historically relied on Russia, Iran, and Venezuela for its energy needs, but the conversation suggests a potential shift towards diversifying its sources to include the United States. This development underscores the evolving dynamics of the global energy market.
The U.S. currently controls oil exports from Venezuela following efforts to remove Nicolás Maduro from power, adding another layer of complexity to the situation.
The latest call follows a previous phone conversation on November 24, which occurred a month after a face-to-face meeting between the two leaders at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in San Francisco.
Analysts are watching to see if the call signals a change in President Trump’s approach to China, which has included indirect pressure tactics in recent months. The situation in Venezuela, where the U.S. controls oil exports, and increasing pressure on Cuba, a Chinese ally, may have been points of concern raised by President Xi.
The potential for U.S. military intervention in Iran, another key energy supplier to China, was also likely a topic of discussion.
Both leaders underscored the importance of the U.S.-China relationship during the call.
“The relationship between China and myself, and with President Xi, is very good, and we both recognize how important it is to maintain that,” President Trump wrote on Truth Social. “I believe I can achieve many positive results with President Xi and China over the next three years.”
President Xi, as quoted by Xinhua, stated, “I highly value China-U.S. relations.” He expressed his desire to “steer the giant ship of China-U.S. relations through wind and waves to advance steadily and deliver more major and good things.”
“China keeps its word and delivers on its actions,” President Xi added. “As long as both sides treat each other with equality and respect and accommodate each other’s legitimate concerns, they will find ways to resolve their differences.”
President Xi proposed that the two countries “strengthen dialogue and communication, properly manage differences, and expand practical cooperation” based on previously reached agreements. He suggested a step-by-step approach to building trust and making 2026 “a year of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation” for both nations.
연합뉴스TV 기사문의 및 제보 : 카톡/라인 jebo23
배진솔([email protected])
