Trump hopes for a possible Xi visit as US-China trade tensions mount.
US President Donald Trump has expressed hope that Chinese President Xi Jinping will visit the United States in the near future, as trade tensions between the two economic powers continue to escalate.
“He’ll be coming in the not-too-distant future,” Trump said while speaking at the Kennedy Centre for the Performing Arts in Washington on Monday, though he did not provide more details.
Potential summit in June
According to The Wall Street Journal, preliminary discussions are underway between Washington and Beijing regarding a potential summit in June, which coincides with the birthdays of both leaders.
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The development comes as the US and China face a trade dispute, with Trump imposing tariffs on major trading partners, including China, Canada, and Mexico, since returning to office in January.
Trump raises tariffs on China
Earlier this month, the US president raised tariffs on Chinese imports from 10 per cent to 20 per cent, citing trade imbalances and Beijing’s failure to curb fentanyl trafficking.
As a result, China imposed levies of up to 15 per cent on US agricultural exports, including soybeans, pork, and chicken.
Beijing has also pledged to take “all necessary measures” following Washington’s separate tariffs on steel and aluminium, as China remains the world’s largest steel producer.
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Last week, China called for “dialogue” to de-escalate tensions.
President Xi last visited the US in November 2023, when he met Trump’s predecessor, Joe Biden, in California in an attempt to stabilise US-China relations.
Amid the frosty relations, the Chinese leader’s anticipated visit is expected to hold significance in shaping future bilateral ties.
