Donald Trump spoke to Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday, September 19th, in what officials described as a productive phone conversation, marking a significant moment in the China-US relations since the US president’s return to office this year.
“I just completed a very productive call with President Xi of China,” the US president posted on his Truth Social handle.
The telephone call between Mr Trump and Mr Xi is crucial as the conversation took place amid White House’s tariff tantrums and the US president’s recent remarks regarding an Afghan airbase close to China’s strategic location.
Productive exchange: Trump and Xi cover multiple issues during conversation
Between Mr Trump and Mr Xi, the recent conversation covered numerous bilateral concerns.
The Chinese embassy in the US said the two presidents “had a candid and in-depth exchange of views on the current state of China-US relations and other issues of mutual interest.”
The embassy described the conversation as “pragmatic, positive and constructive.” Officials noted that the discussion “provided strategic guidance for the steady development of China-US relations going forward.”
China-US relations have faced various challenges in recent years.
During Joe Biden’s presidency, the China-US relations deteriorated over White House’s Sinophobic rhetoric and stoking tensions by blowing minor issues out of proportion—eg, the “spy balloon” controversy that stirred Cold War era reactions in the US.
Since returning to the office, Mr Trump escalated his anti-China hate-mongering, engaging in a bitter tariff war with China, which Beijing reciprocated. Finally, Mr Trump had to eventually mellow down and accept Chinese imports.
For China, the US has been a major export destination. In 2024, the US imported 15% of all Chinese exports, the highest among all countries.
Beijing sold goods worth $525.65bn to the US, making it a crucial export destination for the Chinese industries.
Mr Trump’s tariff threats and punitive measures had threatened to jeopardise this market access for China.
The phone call on Friday represents an attempt to stabilise bilateral ties between the world’s two largest economies amid growing hostilities.
Historical context: Trump, Xi discuss Second World War in conversation
During their telephone call, Mr Xi referenced historical cooperation while discussing current challenges. The Chinese president highlighted how China and the US were allies who fought shoulder to shoulder during the Second World War against Japan.
China recently marked the 80th anniversary of victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. Mr Xi mentioned that China invited the families of “American Flying Tigers” to watch the parade on the Tiananmen Rostrum.
The Chinese leader emphasised that “the Chinese people will not forget the valuable support from the US and other anti-fascist Allied nations for China’s War of Resistance.” He argued that “honouring fallen heroes and remembering history is essential for cherishing peace and creating a better future.”
Vision for cooperation outlined in China-US relations
Mr Xi stressed “the vital importance of China-US relations” during the conversation. He argued that “China and the US are fully capable of helping each other succeed and prospering together for the good of the two countries and the whole world.”
The Chinese president outlined conditions for improved China-US relations. He said both sides need to “work hard and in the same direction, so as to realise mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation.”
Trump commends phone call, to meet Xi
Mr Trump provided his own summary of what transpired between him and Mr Xi on key issues.
He highlighted progress on multiple fronts. “We made progress on many very important issues including Trade, Fentanyl, the need to bring the War between Russia and Ukraine to an end, and the approval of the TikTok Deal (sic),” Mr Trump wrote.
According to Mr Trump, during the conversation, they agreed on future face-to-face diplomacy to enhance China-US relations. Mr Trump announced plans for multiple meetings between the two leaders.
“I also agreed with President Xi that we would meet at the APEC Summit in South Korea, that I would go to China in the early part of next year, and that President Xi would, likewise, come to the United States at an appropriate time (sic),” Mr Trump wrote.
Mr Trump’s positive notes indicate that, despite his earlier Sinophobic rhetoric, he can’t do without China.
This was earlier exemplified when Mr Trump had to exempt over 90% of Chinese exports to the US from his punitive tariff net.
Positive tone despite underlying tensions
Mr Trump expressed satisfaction with the overall dynamic after he and Mr Xi had their conversation about bilateral issues. “The call was a very good one, we will be speaking again by phone, appreciate the TikTok approval, and both look forward to meeting at APEC,” he wrote on Truth Social.
The US president’s public comments emphasised cooperation and mutual benefit. This approach differs from some of his previous characterisations of China-US relations, which resulted in escalations.
Trade and technology issues feature in China-US relations dialogue
Chinese officials outlined their position on economic matters affecting China-US relations. Recent consultations between Chinese and US officials reflected the spirit of equality, respect and mutual benefit, the embassy claimed.
China urged restraint on trade restrictions.
“The US side should refrain from imposing unilateral trade restrictions so as not to disrupt the outcomes of multiple rounds of consultation between the two sides,” the embassy said.
The TikTok issue received specific attention in China-US relations discussions.
“China’s position on the TikTok issue is clear: The Chinese government respects the wishes of the company in question,” the embassy remarked.
China called for fair treatment of its businesses.
“The US side needs to provide an open, fair and non-discriminatory environment for Chinese investors,” the embassy said.
Regional security complicates China-US relations framework
Tensions exist beyond bilateral issues between the two superpowers.
While Mr Trump spoke to Mr Xi during their telephonic conversation, he also recently made statements about retaking Bagram Airbase in Afghanistan, which has complicated China-US relations.
The US president claimed plans to take the airbase because it sits close to where China manufactures nuclear weapons. This represents a significant escalation in regional tensions affecting China-US relations.
China’s foreign ministry rejected these statements. Beijing argued that “the Afghan people alone have rights on Afghan soil.” This position aligns with Taliban views on foreign military presence.
Zakir Jalaly, a Taliban foreign ministry official, addressed the Bagram situation. “Afghanistan and the United States need to interact with each other and can have economic and political relations based on mutual respect and shared interests,” he said.
ولسمشر ډونلډ ټرمپ پر بگرام د معاملې خبره کړې نوموړی تر سياست هاخوا بريالی تاجر او معاملهکوونکی دی او د بگرام د بېرته اخيستو يادونه هم د يوې معاملې له لارې کوي.
— Zakir Jalaly – ذاکر جلالي (@zakirjalaly) September 18, 2025
افغانستان او امريکا يو بل سره تعامل ته اړتيا لري او کولای شي د متقابل درناوي او مشترکو گټو پر بنسټ اقتصادي او سیاسي…
The Taliban official rejected any return of the US military presence. “Afghans have not accepted a military presence in history, and this possibility was completely rejected during the Doha talks and agreement,” Mr Jalaly added.
However, he left room for other forms of engagement. “The doors are open for further interaction,” the Taliban official noted.
Implications for broader China-US relations strategy
The phone call represents an attempt to compartmentalise different aspects of China-US relations.
While regional security issues and tariffs create tensions, both sides appear willing to pursue cooperation on trade and diplomatic matters.
This approach suggests both leaders recognise the complexity of managing China-US relations in an era of strategic competition.
The planned meetings and continued dialogue indicate that, despite fundamental disagreements, both sides view engagement as preferable to complete separation in China-US relations.
This negates the possibilities of immediate escalations. Yet, the optics of Mr Trump and Mr Xi having a conversation won’t immediately repair the damage done deep inside.
Whether this approach can produce lasting improvements in US-China relations remains to be seen.
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