Xi Jinping and Trump Talk: Trade, Taiwan, and Student Issues All Addressed—Tariff War Reaches 'New Phase'

Xi Jinping, the President of China, welcomed U.S. President Donald Trump’s visit to China. This was conveyed through the first phone call since the tariff war erupted earlier this year. Analysts say the U.S.-China tariff conflict is entering a new phase.

According to China’s state-run Xinhua News Agency on the 5th, "President Xi had a phone conversation with President Trump at the request of the U.S." The agency reported, "President Xi welcomed President Trump’s return visit to China, and President Trump expressed his sincere gratitude." It further stated, "The two leaders agreed that their working-level teams would continue to implement the Geneva agreement and to hold new talks soon."

According to Xinhua, President Xi emphasized, "To correct the course of the large vessel that is China-U.S. relations, we must steer the right direction and set our course especially well—it is particularly important to eliminate any disruptions or even sabotage."

He added, "At the suggestion of the U.S., economic and trade leaders of both countries held talks in Geneva and took an important step toward resolving economic and trade issues through dialogue."

President Xi also noted, "The talks have been widely welcomed by all sectors of both countries and the international community, proving that dialogue and cooperation are the only correct choice. Both sides should make good use of the established economic and trade negotiation mechanisms, maintain an attitude of equality, respect each other’s concerns, and strive for mutually beneficial results."

He continued, "To this end, China is acting with sincerity and principle," adding, "The Chinese people follow through on our words with actions, and our actions yield results. As a consensus has been reached, both sides must comply."

President Xi stated, "Since the Geneva talks, China has implemented the agreements rigorously and earnestly." He urged, "The U.S. must view the progress realistically and withdraw negative measures against China." He added, "Both sides should enhance exchanges in diplomacy, economy and trade, military, law enforcement, work on boosting agreements, reduce misunderstandings, and strengthen cooperation."

On the matter of Taiwan, President Xi emphasized, "The U.S. must handle the Taiwan issue prudently and avoid letting a small number of pro-independence separatists drag China and the U.S. into a dangerous situation of conflict and confrontation."

Xinhua reported that President Trump, in response, said, "I have great respect for President Xi, and U.S.-China relations are extremely important." Trump also reportedly said, "The U.S. is pleased to see China’s economy maintain strong growth, and U.S.-China cooperation can bring about many good outcomes."

He went on to say, "The U.S. will continue to adhere to the one-China policy," and said, "The Geneva economic and trade talks between the two countries were very successful and led to a good agreement."

He added, "The U.S. hopes to work with China to implement these agreements." According to reports, he also stated, "The U.S. welcomes Chinese students coming to study in the U.S."