Donald Trump, Xi Jinping Discuss Trade, Fentanyl, TikTok in "Very Good" Call

Washington: Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping engaged in a phone conversation on Friday, just days before Trump’s return to the White House as the incoming US president. Both leaders expressed optimism about improving relations between the two rival nations.

Xi Jinping emphasized his hope for a "good start" to relations with Trump, who responded, "It is my expectation that we will solve many problems together, and starting immediately."

Key Issues Discussed

Trump, during his election campaign, had threatened to impose substantial tariffs on China and other US trading partners. However, he has also expressed a willingness to negotiate with Xi, whom he has openly admired. The conversation touched on several pressing issues, including:

• Trade: Both leaders signaled intentions to address longstanding trade imbalances and tariffs.

• Fentanyl: The US has accused China of allowing fentanyl’s chemical components to flow into Mexico and then to the US, where the drug has been linked to 70,000 overdose deaths annually.

• TikTok: Trump confirmed that the two discussed the future of TikTok. A US law passed last year requires ByteDance, TikTok’s Chinese owner, to sell the platform or face a ban due to national security concerns. Trump, who had pledged to save TikTok during his campaign, is reportedly considering ways to delay the ban.

"The call was a very good one for both China and the USA," Trump said on his social media platform. "President Xi and I will do everything possible to make the world more peaceful and safe!"

Concerns Over Renewed Tensions

Trump’s return to the Oval Office has reignited fears of escalating tensions between the world’s two largest economies. This week, Beijing criticized remarks by Marco Rubio, Trump’s nominee for secretary of state, who labeled China as "the most... dangerous near-peer adversary" the US has ever faced.

"The US side must establish a correct understanding of China, cease unwarranted attacks, and smear campaigns," said Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun in response.

Xi’s Stance on Cooperation

In December, Xi expressed China’s willingness to engage in dialogue and expand cooperation with the US, but he warned that a trade war would yield "no winners." Beijing has been cautiously optimistic about the future of US-China relations under Trump’s leadership but remains wary of potential confrontations.

Legacy of the Biden Administration

President Joe Biden, in his farewell speech, reflected on his administration’s approach to China. He stated that the US had successfully managed its complex relationship with Beijing, ensuring that tensions "never tipped over into conflict."

Biden’s administration also noted progress on multiple fronts, including China’s limited action on fentanyl. Biden concluded by asserting that the US would remain the world’s dominant superpower and that China would "never surpass" it.