US President Donald Trump, after assuming office on Monday, said that is set to have discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping. This came after the two leader had a phone call on Friday over issues including TikTok, trade and Taiwan.
“We’re going to have meetings and calls with President Xi,” Trump said.
During his campaign, Trump had threatened to impose tariffs of up to 60% on China. However, after a phone call with Chinese President Xi Jinping last week, Trump appeared to soften his stance, announcing that further discussions with the leader of the world’s second-largest economy are planned.
Talking about the call with Xi, Trump said, “The call was a very good one for both China and the USA. It is my expectation that we will solve many problems together, and starting immediately. We discussed balancing Trade, Fentanyl, TikTok, and many other subjects.”
Meanwhile, Trump has expressed interest in traveling to China within his first 100 days in office as part of efforts to strengthen ties with Beijing, according to the Wall Street Journal.
“President-elect Donald Trump has told advisors he wants to travel to China after he takes office, according to people familiar with the discussions, seeking to deepen a relationship with Xi Jinping strained by the president-elect’s threat to impose steeper tariffs on Chinese imports,” The Wall Street Journal reported.
