US President Donald Trump described a phone conversation with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday as “excellent,” highlighting their strong personal rapport amid ongoing tensions over trade, technology, and geopolitical flashpoints.
The leaders reportedly discussed a wide range of issues, including trade, energy, Taiwan, Iran, and Russia’s war in Ukraine. Trump, who is expected to visit China in April, emphasised that maintaining stable US-China relations is a top priority.
“All very positive,” Trump wrote on social media. “The relationship with China, and my personal relationship with President Xi, is an extremely good one, and we both realise how important it is to keep it that way.”
The US president also noted an agreement for China to increase purchases of US soya beans, from 12 million tonnes this season to 20 million tonnes, with a further commitment of 25 million tonnes for the following season—though the Chinese government’s official readout did not mention agricultural deals.
In its statement, China reiterated the Taiwan issue as a core concern, warning that the island must remain part of its territory and that arms sales from the US to Taiwan should be approached with “great prudence.” Xi emphasised that differences between the US and China could be resolved amicably if based on equality and respect.
The call came shortly after Xi spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin, signalling a complex geopolitical environment as the US and China navigate competition over trade, technology, and regional influence.
Analysts say the exchange underscores the delicate balancing act in US-China relations, where personal diplomacy may help ease tensions even as fundamental disagreements persist over Taiwan, arms sales, and strategic interests in Asia.