WASHINGTON/BEIJING: US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks aimed at easing tensions between the world’s two largest economies. China agreed to increase its purchases of US soybeans, while warning Washington over arms sales to Taiwan. Trump described their conversation as “very positive” and said Beijing would raise soybean imports from the United States to 20 million tons this season, up from 12 million previously.
Soybean futures surged following the announcement, signaling both sides’ desire to preserve stability in US-China relations ahead of Trump’s expected April visit to Beijing. Despite the goodwill gesture on trade, Taiwan remains a source of friction. China urged Washington to “carefully handle” arms sales to Taiwan after the United States announced its largest weapons package for the island worth $11.1 billion.
The leaders discussed various security and economic matters including Iran, Russia’s war in Ukraine, airplane engines, and oil and gas. Economic tensions remain high with Trump pushing tariffs as part of his strategy to boost US manufacturing. However, both sides appear to be seeking areas of cooperation ahead of the April state visit.
China warned against arms sales to Taiwan, viewing it as a violation of its territorial integrity. The leaders discussed Venezuela, where China has been a major buyer of oil under debt-for-oil deals, though Trump suggested Beijing will now have to purchase on US terms after removing Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro from power.
The call was the first direct conversation between Trump and Xi since late November.