PRESIDENT-elect Donald Trump revealed that he had a “good” phone call with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday, suggesting that both nations would work together to address various issues moving forward.
The call occurred just three days before Trump, who has vowed to implement hefty tariffs on Chinese imports, takes office.
While Trump’s trade policies have raised concerns about escalating tensions between the U.S. and China, with high tariffs potentially harming both economies and consumers, the incoming president expressed optimism about the relationship.
Trump shared in a social media post, “I expect that we will solve many problems together, starting immediately. We discussed balancing trade, fentanyl, TikTok, and many other subjects.”
He added that both leaders would work toward a peaceful and safer world.
The call also touched on the controversial video platform TikTok, which faces a U.S. federal ban due to concerns about privacy and manipulation of content.
Trump’s aides hinted that the president-elect is exploring options to prevent the ban on the Chinese-owned app.
Relations between the U.S. and China have been strained in recent years over various issues, including trade imbalances, Taiwan’s status, the South China Sea, and efforts to curb Chinese influence in the Asia-Pacific region.
Trump has made China a focal point of his foreign policy, particularly in terms of unfair trade practices.
The U.S. has a substantial trade deficit with China, with Chinese exports to the U.S. reaching around $401 billion last year, while imports from the U.S. were valued at $130 billion.
Trump’s successor, President Joe Biden, has also prioritized U.S.-China competition, seeking to strengthen alliances in the Asia-Pacific.
Over the past two years, the U.S. has accused China of cyberattacks and espionage, allegations that Beijing denies.
In the latest U.S. National Security Strategy, the Biden administration referred to China as the “most consequential geopolitical challenge,” emphasizing the ongoing strategic competition to shape the future of the international order.
Trump’s administration will include several figures critical of China, such as Senator Marco Rubio, who has been sanctioned by China.
Rubio has labeled China the “biggest threat” to U.S. prosperity, stressing the need for change in how the U.S. handles its relations with Beijing.
However, Chinese officials have reiterated that they do not seek a new Cold War.
A spokesperson for China’s Foreign Ministry emphasized that their approach to U.S.-China relations is based on mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and cooperation, while safeguarding China’s sovereignty and security interests.