Washington D.C. – United States President Donald Trump on Wednesday held an extensive phone call with Chinese President Xi Jinping, discussing a broad range of global issues including the tense situation in Iran. The Trump Xi call represented a significant diplomatic engagement between the world’s two largest economies, covering topics from trade and military matters to Taiwan and upcoming presidential visits.
This Trump Xi call came at a crucial juncture as the Trump administration has been pushing several countries, including Beijing, to isolate Tehran. The timing of this high-level communication underscores the complex interplay of cooperation and competition that characterizes contemporary US-China relations.
President Trump’s Detailed Account of Discussion
According to Donald Trump‘s post on Truth Social following the Trump Xi call, the conversation was “long and thorough” with many important subjects addressed. The President provided an unusually detailed account of the discussions, highlighting the substantive nature of the bilateral engagement.
Trump emphasized that the Trump Xi call covered critical aspects of the US-China relationship, including trade negotiations, military matters, and his planned visit to Beijing in April. The President expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming trip, stating he looked forward to it, suggesting positive momentum in bilateral relations.
Major Trade and Agricultural Commitments
A significant outcome of the Trump Xi call involved substantial agricultural commitments from China. Trump revealed that China is considering increasing its soybean purchases to 20 million tons for the current season, with a commitment of 25 million tons for the next season. These figures represent major commercial agreements that could significantly benefit American farmers.
The Trump Xi call also addressed China’s purchase of oil and gas from the United States, along with airplane engine deliveries. Trump characterized all these discussions as “very positive,” suggesting productive negotiations on economic matters that have long been sources of tension between the two nations.
Taiwan Remains a Central Issue
Taiwan featured prominently in the Trump Xi call, reflecting its continued importance as a sensitive issue in US-China relations. While Trump mentioned Taiwan in his summary of the conversation, the Chinese government’s readout made Beijing’s position unmistakably clear.
China emphasized during the Trump Xi call that it has no intention of stepping away from its long-term plans for reunification with Taiwan. Beijing stated firmly that the self-governing island will never be allowed to separate from the nation, underlining the fundamental differences that persist between Washington and Beijing on this critical issue.
Iran Tensions Dominate Geopolitical Discussions
The Trump Xi call occurred amid heightened tensions between the United States and Iran following the Islamic Republic’s deadly crackdown on nationwide protests last month. President Trump is currently pressing Iran to make concessions over its nuclear program.
According to the Trump administration, Iran’s nuclear capabilities were already set back by US bombing of three Iranian nuclear facilities during the 12-day war Israel launched against Iran in June 2025. The Trump Xi call addressed these tensions as the administration seeks international cooperation in isolating Tehran.
US Special Envoy Scheduled for Iran Talks
Following the Trump Xi call, The White House announced that US special envoy Steve Witkoff is scheduled to participate in talks with Iranian officials later this week. This diplomatic initiative reflects the administration’s multi-pronged approach to addressing Iranian nuclear ambitions.
Trump had announced earlier in January that the United States would impose a 25 percent tax on imports from nations engaging in business with Iran. The Trump Xi call likely included discussions about China’s response to this policy and its implications for bilateral trade.
Russia-Ukraine War Addressed
The ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine also featured in the Trump Xi call, demonstrating the comprehensive nature of the discussion. Both leaders recognize that major global conflicts require coordination between the world’s most powerful nations, even when their interests don’t perfectly align.
Personal Relationship Emphasized
Trump stressed after the Trump Xi call that the relationship between the United States and China, as well as his personal relationship with President Xi, is “an extremely good one.” He emphasized that both leaders realize how important it is to maintain this positive relationship.
This characterization of the Trump Xi call and the broader bilateral relationship suggests that despite significant differences on issues like Taiwan, trade practices, and Iran policy, both leaders see value in maintaining dialogue and cooperation where possible.
Parallel Diplomatic Activities
The friendly Trump Xi call coincided with a ministerial meeting held by the Trump administration in Washington. At this gathering, the US along with several European, Asian, and African nations discussed rebuilding global supply chains for critical minerals without Beijing’s involvement.
Vice President JD Vance emphasized at this meeting the opportunity for “self-reliance” so nations “never have to rely on anybody else except for each other” for critical minerals. This parallel track demonstrates the complex nature of US-China relations, where cooperation and competition occur simultaneously.
Xi Jinping’s Subsequent Call with Putin
Following the Trump Xi call, Xi Jinping held a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday. This call came as the last remaining nuclear arms pact between Russia and the United States, known as the New START treaty, is set to expire Thursday, removing caps on the two largest atomic arsenals for the first time in over half a century.
Chinese Government’s Perspective
In its readout of the Trump Xi call, the Chinese government mentioned discussions about major summits both nations would host in the coming year and opportunities for the leaders to meet. However, notably, China’s statement did not explicitly mention Trump’s expected April visit to Beijing, suggesting potential differences in how both sides characterize the outcomes.
