Trump, Xi hold 'very good' call: Trade talks, state visits and resetting relations | 10 highlights

In a significant diplomatic exchange that could mark a turning point in strained US-China relations, Presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping held a 90-minute phone call on Thursday, discussing trade, state visits, and the future direction of bilateral ties.

The conversation, described as "very good" by Trump, comes amid renewed efforts to stabilise one of the world’s most critical geopolitical relationships. Both leaders emphasised the need for cooperation, with Xi calling for a course correction in ties and Trump announcing the resumption of trade talks. Their remarks signal a tentative thaw after months of escalating tensions.

Here are the highlights from the telephonic conversation between Trump and Xi:

• Trump said he had a "very good" phone call with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping on Thursday. “The call lasted approximately one and a half hours, and resulted in a very positive conclusion for both Countries,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

• Trump announced that trade teams from the US and China would engage in a new round of talks. “US and Chinese trade teams would hold a new meeting ‘shortly,’” he said.

• Trump also shared that both leaders extended invitations for state visits. “President Xi graciously invited the First Lady and me to visit China, and I reciprocated. As Presidents of two Great Nations, this is something that we both look forward to doing,” Trump stated.

• Xi Jinping also highlighted the importance of getting US-China relations back on the right track. Xi’s remarks signal a mutual interest in improving strained ties. The state-run Xinhua agency reported that Xi told Trump: "Correcting the course of the big ship of Sino-US relations requires us to steer well and set the direction, especially to eliminate all kinds of interference and even destruction, which is particularly important."

• Jinping stressed the need to remove obstacles from the relationship. He said: “...especially to eliminate all kinds of interference and even destruction, which is particularly important.” This appears to be a veiled reference to US policies or actions that Beijing views as undermining cooperation.

• Trump’s reference to “two Great Nations” and Xi’s metaphor of a “big ship” suggest a recognition of the global weight of their respective countries. It underlines the importance of their relationship in shaping global stability.

• Xi Jinping warned Trump that Washington should handle the issue of Taiwan "with caution" in order to avoid "conflict," state media reported Thursday.

• Despite ongoing trade and geopolitical tensions, the tone of the call was reportedly warm and forward-looking. Trump’s use of “very positive conclusion” and Xi’s call for “steering well” suggest a temporary de-escalation in rhetoric.

• Xi’s phrase “correcting the course” signals Beijing’s desire to return to a more stable and predictable bilateral framework. It also indicates dissatisfaction with the current trajectory of U.S. policies on trade, Taiwan, and the South China Sea.