Trump and Xi Resume US-China Trade Negotiations Again/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping have agreed to resume stalled trade negotiations following their first call in months. The leaders pledged to reduce tariffs and facilitate future meetings. Tensions remain over technology access and rare earth supplies.
US-China Trade Talks Quick Looks
- President Trump and President Xi Jinping resumed direct communication for the first time in months.
- Trump announced renewed trade talks with China after a “very positive” call.
- Tariffs will be temporarily lowered on both sides to facilitate discussions.
- Xi urged the US to reverse “negative measures” including restrictions on tech and visas.
- Key US officials, including Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, will lead upcoming negotiations.
- Trump reiterated goals to reduce reliance on Chinese manufacturing.
- China faces internal economic challenges, including a slowing economy and post-COVID recovery.
Trump and Xi Resume US-China Trade Negotiations Again
Deep Look
Trump and Xi Reignite US-China Trade Talks Following High-Level Call
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump revealed Thursday that he and Chinese President Xi Jinping have agreed to resume US-China trade talks following a “very positive” phone call—their first conversation since Trump began his second presidential term over four months ago.
In a post on his social media platform, Trump stated, “Our respective teams will be meeting shortly at a location to be determined.” The announcement marks a potential thaw in tensions between the world’s two largest economies, which have been locked in a prolonged standoff over tariffs, rare earth mineral access, and technological restrictions.
Top US Officials Set to Lead Talks
Representing the United States in the revived negotiations will be Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. These high-level appointments underscore the importance the Trump administration places on reaching a new agreement with Beijing.
According to China’s foreign ministry, it was Trump who initiated the call, emphasizing Washington’s renewed interest in finding common ground. During the conversation, Xi invited Trump and First Lady Melania Trump to China, an invitation Trump reciprocated by inviting Xi to visit the United States.
Xi Calls for Reversal of “Negative Measures”
Chinese state-run media outlet Xinhua reported that Xi Jinping urged Trump to “reverse the negative measures” imposed by the US, referring to ongoing restrictions on Chinese technology firms and student visas. Xi emphasized the need to “steer the big ship of China-US relations in the right direction,” and called for eliminating interference and sabotage in the bilateral relationship.
Despite this new tone, Trump had just one day earlier expressed skepticism, calling Xi “VERY TOUGH, AND EXTREMELY HARD TO MAKE A DEAL WITH!!!” in a social media post. Still, Trump maintained his personal affinity for the Chinese leader, writing, “I like President XI of China, always have, and always will.”
Tariff Reductions Offer Hope for Progress
The two nations had previously agreed on May 12 to reduce tariffs, but talks stalled soon after. Trump has since lowered the 145% tariffs on Chinese imports to 30% for 90 days, signaling a window for renewed diplomacy. In turn, China reduced tariffs on American goods from 125% to just 10%.
Despite these moves, significant roadblocks remain. The US has criticized China for restricting exports of rare earth minerals—crucial for tech manufacturing—while China has taken issue with US limits on semiconductor exports and student visa revocations.
Strategic Goals at Odds
While Trump’s administration is pushing to reindustrialize the United States and decrease dependency on Chinese manufacturing, China aims to sustain its momentum in sectors such as artificial intelligence and electric vehicles—both central to Beijing’s long-term economic goals.
In 2024, the United States posted a $295 billion trade deficit with China, reflecting the ongoing economic imbalance. China, meanwhile, continues to grapple with a slowing domestic economy and lagging consumer confidence after the real estate collapse and pandemic-related lockdowns.
High Stakes and Lingering Doubts
This week’s call follows the leaders’ last interaction in January, shortly before Trump’s inauguration. Then, their discussion included concerns over fentanyl smuggling into the US, a key issue for Trump.
Despite this new engagement, Trump has recently accused China of breaking past agreements, posting: “China, perhaps not surprisingly to some, HAS TOTALLY VIOLATED ITS AGREEMENT WITH US. So much for being Mr. NICE GUY!”
Still, both leaders appear willing to reopen lines of communication—at least for now.
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