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Xi has sent Vice-President Han Zheng to attend Trump’s swearing-in ceremony, marking the first time a senior Chinese official will be present at a US presidential inauguration.
The phone conversation between the two leaders comes just three days before Trump’s inauguration ceremony on January 20. (AP File Photo)
US President-elect Donald Trump on Friday held a phone conversation with Chinese President Xi Jinping, discussing the future of US-China relations ahead of his inauguration on Monday.
Trump expressed optimism about building a strong relationship with China, despite ongoing tensions between the two superpowers.
“The call was a very good one for both China and the USA,” Trump shared on his social media platform after the conversation.
“It is my expectation that we will solve many problems together, and starting immediately. We discussed balancing Trade, Fentanyl, TikTok, and many other subjects,” he noted.
Trump added that he and President Xi would work together to create a more peaceful and safe world. “President Xi and I will do everything possible to make the World more peaceful and safe!” he said.
Xi Expresses Optimism
On the Chinese side, President Xi also expressed optimism about the future of US-China relations.
“We both attach great importance to mutual interaction (and) hope that China-US relations will have a good start in the new term of the US president,” Xi said, according to Chinese state media CCTV.
The call came just days before Trump takes office for his second term, with the US-China relationship expected to be a major focus. Tensions between the two nations are high, particularly over trade, technology, and issues concerning Taiwan, a self-ruled island claimed by China.
Trump has previously threatened to impose tariffs of up to 60% on all Chinese imports. However, he has also praised his relationship with Xi and suggested that China could play a role in mediating international crises, such as the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Xi, who will not attend Trump’s inauguration, was represented by Vice President Han Zheng. Despite the challenges in US-China relations, Trump has maintained a positive stance on his personal relationship with Xi, stating in a December interview that he and the Chinese leader have communicated frequently since his election victory.
“We have a very good relationship,” Trump said in the interview, adding that although they had not discussed Taiwan, they had addressed other important issues.
(With inputs from agencies)
- Location :
Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)
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