🔗 Share this article Donald Trump Says He Will Visit China in April Following Phone Conversation with Xi Former President Donald Trump has confirmed that he agreed to go to Beijing in April and invited Chinese President Xi Jinping for a diplomatic trip later next year, after a phone call between the two leaders. Trump and Xi—who convened recently in Korea—covered a variety of topics including trade, Russia's invasion of Ukraine, fentanyl, and Taiwan, according to the president and Chinese officials. "Our relationship with China is extremely strong!" Trump wrote in a Truth Social post. Beijing's press outlet issued a statement that indicated both states should "maintain progress, keep moving forward in the right direction on the principle of parity, mutual respect and shared interests". Previous Meeting and Trade Developments The heads of state held discussions in the South Korean city of Busan in the fall, after which they settled on a pause on trade taxes. The United States chose to slash a 20% tariff by 50% intended to decrease the movement of opioids. Duties remain on products from China and are around just below 50%. "Afterwards, the Sino-American ties has generally maintained a consistent and favorable course, and this is greeted positively by the two countries and the broader international community," the Chinese statement added. America then withdrew a potential imposition of double tariffs on products, while the Chinese government put off its intention to introduce its new set of rare earth export controls. Economic Emphasis The administration's spokesperson Karoline Leavitt commented that the phone discussion with Xi—which lasted about an hour—was centered on trade. "We are satisfied with what we've seen from the China, and they share that sentiment," she said. Wider Discussions In addition to addressing economic matters, Xi and Trump raised the subjects of the Ukraine war and the Taiwan situation. Xi stated to Trump that the island's "integration into China" is vital for China's vision for the "global system after conflicts". The Chinese government has been engaged in a foreign policy clash with Tokyo, a U.S. friend, over the long-term "uncertain policy" on the sovereignty of the independently administered island. Earlier this month, Tokyo's head Sanae Takaichi said that a potential assault from Beijing on the island could force a reaction by Tokyo's army. Trump, but, did not discuss the island in his Truth Social post about the conversation. US Ambassador to Japan, George Glass, previously said that the US backs the Japanese in the context of Beijing's "intimidation".