Beijing/Washington – Chinese leader Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump spoke by phone on Wednesday, with both leaders emphasizing the importance of mutual respect and cooperation in managing bilateral ties.
According to Chinese state broadcaster CCTV, Xi told Trump that the two countries could resolve their differences by addressing issues step by step and building trust.
“By tackling issues one by one and continuously building mutual trust, we can forge a right way for the two countries to get along,” Xi said.
“Let us make 2026 a year in which China and the United States, as two major countries, move toward mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation.”
Trump’s Response
Trump described the call as “excellent” in a post on his Truth Social platform, stressing that ties between the two nations remain strong.
“The relationship with China, and my personal relationship with President Xi, is an extremely good one, and we both realize how important it is to keep it that way,” Trump wrote.
The president said the two leaders discussed a wide range of issues, including trade, Taiwan, the Russian war against Ukraine, and Iran. He also confirmed plans for a future trip to China, which he said he “very much looks forward to.”
Regional Context
The call came just hours after Xi held a video conference with Russian President Vladimir Putin, during which he called for “deeper strategic coordination” with Moscow. The timing highlights Beijing’s balancing act between its ties with Washington and its partnership with Russia, particularly amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Conclusion
The exchange between Xi and Trump underscores both the challenges and opportunities in US-China relations. While disagreements remain over trade, security, and global conflicts, both leaders signaled a willingness to pursue dialogue and cooperation in 2026.
