United States President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping spoke by phone on Friday in a high-stakes conversation expected to address two of the most contentious issues in their relationship — the future of video-sharing app TikTok and ongoing trade tensions between the two economic giants.
According to Chinese outlets CCTV and Xinhua, the call had officially commenced, marking the second direct exchange between the leaders since Trump began his second term in January.
Ahead of the discussion, Trump told Fox News that TikTok and trade would dominate the agenda, adding, “We’re very close to deals on all of it. And my relationship with China is very good.”
The two men previously extended invitations to visit each other’s countries in June, though no travel arrangements have been confirmed. Analysts believe Xi might again press his invitation, knowing Trump’s fondness for state-level pomp and pageantry.
TikTok at the Center
A major focus of the talks was the fate of TikTok’s U.S. operations. Trump has repeatedly delayed a ban, which was introduced under President Joe Biden, while pressuring TikTok’s Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to sell its American arm for national security reasons.
The president hinted Thursday that a settlement could soon be reached, saying TikTok’s U.S. business would ultimately be “owned by all American investors, very rich people and companies.” Trump also claimed the platform helped him connect with younger voters, boosting his 2024 re-election prospects.
Reports suggest a potential buyout consortium could include Oracle and California-based investment firms Silver Lake and Andreessen Horowitz.
Tariffs and Trade
Beyond TikTok, the leaders are also attempting to resolve a tariff standoff that disrupted global supply chains earlier this year. Both sides imposed heavy levies — the U.S. slapped 30% duties on Chinese imports, while Beijing retaliated with 10% tariffs on U.S. goods.
A temporary deal to ease the tariffs is due to expire in November, creating urgency for a longer-term settlement.
Meanwhile, Xi recently hosted a summit with Russia and India, with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un attending a military parade as an observer. Trump responded pointedly on Truth Social, writing: “Please give my warmest regards to Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un as you conspire against the United States of America.”
The U.S. president has also lashed out at India for purchasing oil from Moscow, imposing new tariffs, and urged Europe to sanction China over similar energy deals — even though Washington itself has not directly penalized Beijing.
“If China stopped buying Russian oil, I think the war in Ukraine might end,” Trump told Fox News.
AFP
