Xi and Trump Hold First Call Since November: Focus on Taiwan, Trade, and Bilateral Ties

Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump held a telephone conversation on Wednesday, with both leaders describing the exchange as positive and emphasizing the importance of stable U.S.-China relations.

According to China's official Xinhua News Agency readout, President Xi stressed that the Taiwan issue remains the most important and sensitive matter in bilateral relations. He reiterated that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory, and Beijing is firmly committed to safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity. Xi urged the United States to handle arms sales to Taiwan with extreme caution, warning that Washington must avoid actions that could undermine peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.

Xi highlighted the productive communication he has maintained with Trump over the past year, including their successful in-person meeting in Busan, South Korea, last October. He expressed high importance for the relationship and expressed willingness to work together in the new year to steer U.S.-China ties through challenges, achieve major progress, and promote mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation.

The Chinese leader noted that both countries face significant domestic agendas in 2026 — China begins its 15th Five-Year Plan while the United States marks its 250th anniversary of independence — and that China will host the APEC Leaders' Meeting and the U.S. will chair the G20 Summit. Xi called for enhanced dialogue, proper management of differences, and steady expansion of practical cooperation, building mutual trust step by step.

President Trump, posting on Truth Social, described the call as "very positive," "long and thorough," and "excellent." He said the two leaders share an "extremely good" personal relationship and that both recognize the critical importance of maintaining strong U.S.-China ties.

Trump announced that China is considering significantly increasing purchases of U.S. soybeans, potentially raising the volume to 20 million metric tons in the current season (up from the previous 12 million tons target), with a further commitment to 25 million tons next season. The announcement sent soybean futures prices sharply higher on the Chicago Board of Trade.

The discussion also covered a broad range of issues, including Russia's war in Ukraine, the situation in Iran, oil and gas purchases, airplane engines, and other trade matters. Trump emphasized that he wants to see China succeed and looks forward to continued cooperation.

The call comes amid ongoing tensions, particularly over Taiwan. In December, the United States approved its largest-ever arms sales package to Taiwan, valued at $11.1 billion, prompting strong objections from Beijing. China views such sales as interference in its internal affairs and a violation of the one-China principle.