Trump and Xi Jinping hold phone call - Media
Photo: Xi Jinping and Donald Trump (Getty Images)
US President-elect Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping had a telephone conversation on Friday, January 17, according to Xinhua.
"Chinese President Xi Jinping held on Friday a telephone conversation with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump," the agency says.
Other details of the conversation between Trump and Xi Jinping have not yet been disclosed.
Donald Trump's team invited Xi Jinping to his inauguration on January 20. Western media noted that this was an important step, as, according to American tradition, world leaders are not invited to presidential inaugurations.
However, the Chinese leader declined the offer. China will send Vice President Han Zheng to Trump's inauguration.
Politico writes that such a move could disappoint the new US president's team, as Han Zheng plays a symbolic role in China. At the same time, the visit of the foreign minister would be more important, as the parties could hold their first talks.
US-China relations
The US and China have rather tense relations, which are provoked by economic rivalry. Additionally, the situation is further strained by US trade with Taiwan, which China considers part of its territory.
Donald Trump, during his first presidency, criticized trade relations with China. Following his victory in the November 2024 election, he announced plans to impose tariffs on goods imported to the US from China.
Trump also mentioned that he communicated with China’s leader through intermediaries. According to him, he believes he can find common ground with Xi Jinping.
Read more about what to expect from Trump in his first days in office in the material by RBC-Ukraine.
