Just days before his inauguration, President-elect Donald Trump confirmed a productive phone conversation with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Trump, via Truth Social, stated the call was "very good" for both nations and expressed optimism about resolving shared challenges. He highlighted topics discussed, including trade imbalances, fentanyl, TikTok, and global peace and security.

Chinese state media initially reported the call, which occurred three days before Trump's swearing-in ceremony. Trump had previously invited Xi to the inauguration, aiming to foster open dialogue with both allies and rivals. While Xi declined to attend personally, he dispatched Vice President Han Zheng to represent China.

China's foreign ministry expressed its willingness to collaborate with the new US administration on communication, managing disagreements, and expanding mutually beneficial partnerships. This call comes amidst heightened tensions between the two nations, with Trump's campaign trail threats of significant tariffs on Chinese goods raising concerns about a potential trade war.

Trump's proposed tariffs, potentially reaching 60% on Chinese imports, have raised concerns about economic repercussions for both countries. Some experts predict a substantial impact on China's exports and GDP growth. During his previous term, Trump implemented tariffs on over $300 billion worth of Chinese goods, which the Biden administration maintained.

Beyond trade, several points of contention remain between the US and China, including China's actions in the South China Sea, alleged espionage activities, and the controversial surveillance balloon incident. While Trump's first term saw increased trade competition and support for Taiwan, the relationship with China remained complex under the Biden administration.

Prior to this call, Xi had congratulated Trump on his election victory in November, emphasizing the potential benefits of cooperation over confrontation. Trump's transition team has reportedly been engaged in discussions with Chinese officials leading up to the inauguration. Trump has expressed confidence in his ability to establish a productive working relationship with Xi.