Xi Jinping, Trump discuss trade, Taiwan, and TikTok ahead of swearing-in

The phone conversation between the two leaders comes just three days before Trump’s inauguration ceremony on Jan 20.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President-elect Donald Trump spoke over the phone on Friday, agreeing to establish strategic communication channels and maintain regular contact on key issues of mutual concern ahead of Trump’s inauguration.

According to an official Chinese media readout, Xi congratulated Trump on his re-election during the call. Trump confirmed the conversation on his Truth Social platform, calling it "very good" and stating that discussions focused on "trade, fentanyl, TikTok, and other subjects."

Xi emphasised the need for the two nations to respect each other’s core interests and work toward resolving disagreements. "The Taiwan question concerns China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The US side needs to approach it with prudence," Xi said. He acknowledged the natural occurrence of differences between two major countries with varying national conditions but stressed the importance of finding proper solutions.

China continues to assert its claim over Taiwan, vowing reunification, while urging the US to avoid actions that might escalate tensions.

Xi also raised concerns over Trump’s campaign threat to impose 60% tariffs on Chinese exports to the US. "The bilateral economic ties are essentially mutually beneficial and win-win. Confrontation and conflict should not be an option for the two countries," Xi said, highlighting the importance of a cooperative relationship.

The Chinese leader expressed optimism for the future of US-China relations under the new administration, stating, "President Xi and I will do everything possible to make the world more peaceful and safe."

On the US side, Trump invited Xi to attend his inauguration, a gesture hailed by his spokesperson Karoline Leavitt as "an example of Trump creating an open dialogue with leaders of countries that are not just our allies but our adversaries and our competitors." However, Xi declined the invitation, consistent with his practice of not attending foreign leaders' swearing-in ceremonies. Instead, Vice-President Han Zheng will represent China at the event, marking the first time a senior Chinese official will attend a US presidential inauguration.

Following the call, Trump expressed confidence in the potential for progress between the two nations. "I just spoke to Chairman Xi Jinping of China," Trump wrote on Truth Social. "It is my expectation that we will solve many problems together, and starting immediately."

The dialogue signals an intent by both nations to engage in constructive discussions despite existing geopolitical tensions, with trade and Taiwan remaining critical issues in the bilateral relationship.