Trump made the announcement shortly after a phone call with Xi Jinping, during which they discussed issues such as the conflict in Ukraine, the fight against fentanyl opioids, and soybean trade.
The phone call occurred nearly a month after the two leaders met in Busan, South Korea. Chinese authorities confirmed the phone conversation but did not mention the state visits, noting that the topics discussed included Ukraine, trade, and Taiwan.
After the call, the White House leader described the relationship with Beijing as “extremely strong” in a message on his Truth Social network, but did not reference the sensitive issue of Taiwan.
According to a statement from the Chinese Foreign Ministry, Xi told Trump that Taiwan’s return to the mainland is “an integral part of the post-war international order” and expressed hope for a “fair, lasting, and binding peace agreement” regarding Ukraine.
The conversation came after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi recently stated that Japan’s armed forces could intervene if China takes action against Taiwan. Over the weekend, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi asserted that Japan “has crossed a red line that should not have been crossed.”
During the phone call, Xi Jinping argued that China and the United States, which fought together against fascism and militarism, should “jointly safeguard the victory of World War II.” The U.S. has not taken a side in the sovereignty dispute over Taiwan but opposes the use of force to seize the territory. Under U.S. domestic law, Washington is required to provide arms to the island to deter any armed attack.
Earlier this month, Taiwan reported receiving an official notification that the Trump administration had approved a $330 million arms sale, including parts for fighter jets. Beijing immediately protested this deal, stating it “grossly violates” the principle of “One China.”
The two leaders also addressed the crisis in Ukraine, which began with Russia’s invasion in February 2022, with Xi stating, according to Beijing’s diplomacy, that the crisis should be resolved “at its roots.” The Chinese president emphasized his support for “all efforts that contribute to peace,” despite Western governments accusing Beijing of facilitating Russia’s war efforts through its industrial support for Moscow.
In the call, Xi also noted that bilateral relations “have maintained a stable and positive trajectory” since the Busan summit and asserted that both sides should strive for “even more positive progress.” Beijing’s diplomacy did not reveal any concrete agreements on matters like the purchase of American soybeans.
Platform with Lusa
