Donald Trump is anticipated to visit China and engage in discussions with Xi Jinping by April of this year, as he aims to mend the frayed relations following threats to impose additional significant tariffs on Chinese imports.
According to a report from The Wall Street Journal (WSJ), sources indicate that Trump has informed his advisors of his desire to travel to China after assuming office.
One source mentioned that Trump has shown interest in making the trip within his first 100 days in office. Trump will be inaugurated as the 47th President of the United States on Monday, January 20. Although he extended an invitation to Xi for the inauguration, the Chinese leader will be represented by Vice President Han Zheng.
On January 17, Trump made his first phone call to Xi since the November 5 election, during which they discussed various topics, including trade, fentanyl, and TikTok.
The potential for US-China collaboration was highlighted by Trump, who stated on social media following the call, “It is my expectation that we will solve many problems together, and starting immediately.”
The WSJ report also noted that individuals close to Beijing’s decision-making process revealed that Trump and Xi, through their representatives, have contemplated a face-to-face meeting, with one possibility being an invitation for the Chinese leader to visit the United States. However, it remains uncertain whether Trump mentioned a visit to China during his conversation with Xi on Friday.
On Friday, details emerged regarding the phone conversation between Trump and Xi, with China’s official account stating that both leaders reached an agreement to establish a strategic communication channel.
The account also reported Trump expressing his eagerness to meet with President Xi at the earliest opportunity.
During the discussion, Xi is said to have urged Trump to approach the Taiwan issue “with prudence,” emphasizing its significance to national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
For Trump, Xi may serve as an ideal ally in efforts to conclude the conflict in Ukraine, particularly given China’s support for Russia, which has drawn criticism from US lawmakers.
Trump’s last visit to Beijing occurred in late 2017, following a face-to-face meeting with Xi at Mar-a-Lago, his estate in Florida.
Trump is also likely to visit India, as reported by the WSJ, with sources indicating that he discussed a potential trip where he would engage with President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and other leaders. This visit could take place as early as April of this year.
Preliminary discussions have already commenced with India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, during his recent visit to Washington, with further actions anticipated in the coming week after Trump’s inauguration. The EAM is expected to meet with his counterparts from the US, Japan, and Australia to prepare for the upcoming Quad summit.
Upon taking office as President of the United States on Monday, Trump is expected to prioritize domestic initiatives, including stringent new border security measures and heightened deportations.
In the first week of his presidency, Trump plans to travel across the United States to promote executive orders he intends to sign concerning energy and other matters. Additionally, he is scheduled to visit fire-affected areas in Los Angeles later in the week.
