TRADE, not Russia or Iran: Inside the high-stakes 90-minute Xi-Trump trade talks

Amid strained ties and a stalled trade pact, US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping held a phone call on Thursday that focused “almost entirely” on economic matters, said Trump shortly after the conversation.

The two leaders steered clear of discussing sensitive geopolitical issues including the Russia-Ukraine war and Washington's tensions with Iran, the US President added.

Trump described the call as “very good” and said it led to “a very positive conclusion for both countries.”


In a statement posted on Truth Social, Trump said, “There should no longer be any questions respecting the complexity of Rare Earth products,” hinting at new understandings around strategic trade commodities.


The US president also confirmed that follow-up meetings between trade representatives of the two nations would take place soon, with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, and USTR Ambassador Jamieson Greer leading the American delegation on Trump administration's behalf.

He added that Chinese President Xi had “graciously invited the First Lady and me to visit China,” and that he had reciprocated the invitation.

Xi calls dialogue with Trump 'only right choice'

Chinese state media quoted President Xi as calling dialogue and cooperation “the only right choice” for both countries, adding that “both sides should strive for a win-win outcome," Reuters reported citing Xinhua.

Xi urged Washington to cancel its “negative measures” against China and said both nations must make good use of the established economic and trade consultation mechanism. He also emphasized enhancing exchanges in diplomacy, trade, the military, and law enforcement.

“China has sincerity, and has principle,” Xi said, per state broadcaster CCTV, and called for careful handling of sensitive issues such as Taiwan. He also noted that some consensus had been reached in prior talks and that both parties should abide by it.

The renewed contact between the world’s two largest economies comes amid an effort to stabilize a fragile trade truce.