President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that he had just had a “very good” phone call with Chinese President Xi Jinping regarding trade.
In a statement posted to Truth Social, Trump said he and Xi discussed “some of the intricacies” of the deal struck last month between their countries in Geneva, which had resulted in both sides lowering steep tariffs as negotiations continued.
“The call lasted approximately one and a half hours, and resulted in a very positive conclusion for both Countries. There should no longer be any questions respecting the complexity of Rare Earth products,” Trump posted.
Last week, Trump accused Beijing of violating their agreement, after which U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer told CNBC that China was continuing to restrict shipments of rare earth elements that are vital for the U.S. automotive, energy, and defense industries.
“Our respective teams will be meeting shortly at a location to be determined. We will be represented by Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent, Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, and United States Trade Representative, Ambassador Jamieson Greer,” Trump continued.
Trump also said Xi “graciously invited” the first lady and himself to visit China, and he “reciprocated” that invitation.
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“As Presidents of two Great Nations, this is something that we both look forward to doing,” Trump added. “The conversation was focused almost entirely on TRADE. Nothing was discussed concerning Russia/Ukraine, or Iran. We will inform the Media as to scheduling and location of the soon to be meeting. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”
Beijing, which on Monday had accused the United States of violating the detente on trade, confirmed that a conversation took place and claimed Trump requested the phone discussion with Xi.
China’s state media reported that Xi asked Trump to “remove the negative measures” and to “take the helm and set the right course,” according to The Associated Press.
The conversation took place one week after Bessent told Fox News that discussions between the two economic powerhouses were “a bit stalled” and suggested that a call between Trump and Xi would be needed for a breakthrough.
Early Wednesday morning, Trump wrote on Truth Social, “I like President Xi of China, always have, and always will, but he is VERY TOUGH, AND EXTREMELY HARD TO MAKE A DEAL WITH!!!”
