Trump is tough on the world stage. And it pays dividends.
Now China handed Trump a huge win that proved everyone wrong.
Trump’s Diplomatic Triumph in U.S.-China Trade Talks
President Donald Trump showcased his deal-making prowess in a productive 90-minute phone call with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday, navigating complex trade tensions to secure a positive outcome for both nations.
The conversation, which Trump described as “very good” on Truth Social, underscores his administration’s commitment to strengthening America’s economic position while fostering diplomatic ties with Beijing.
“I just concluded a very good phone call with President Xi, of China, discussing some of the intricacies of our recently made, and agreed to, Trade Deal,” Trump wrote, adding, “The call lasted approximately one and a half hours, and resulted in a very positive conclusion for both Countries.” This call marks a significant step forward in resolving recent trade disputes, reinforcing Trump’s leadership on the global stage.
Resolving Trade Deal Challenges with China
The discussion, which Trump said focused “almost entirely” on trade, came after a turbulent week in U.S.-China relations.
On Friday, Trump accused China of failing to uphold a May trade agreement, posting on Truth Social, “The bad news is that China, perhaps not surprisingly to some, HAS TOTALLY VIOLATED ITS AGREEMENT WITH US. So much for being Mr. NICE GUY!”
U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer echoed this sentiment, telling CNBC, “The United States did exactly what it was supposed to do, and the Chinese are slow-rolling their compliance, which is completely unacceptable and has to be addressed.”
The agreement had reduced U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports from 145% to 30% and Chinese tariffs on U.S. imports from 125% to 10%, but China’s delay in lifting non-tariff barriers sparked friction.
Despite these challenges, Trump’s Thursday call with Xi yielded progress, with the president announcing during an Oval Office press briefing alongside German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, “We had a very good talk, and we’ve straightened out any complexity, and it’s very complex stuff, and we straightened it out. I think we’re in very good shape with China and the trade deal.”
Strengthening Ties and Strategic Vetting
Beyond trade, the call opened avenues for diplomacy, with Xi inviting Trump and First Lady Melania Trump to visit China, an invitation Trump reciprocated to Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan.
This exchange highlights Trump’s ability to balance tough economic negotiations with gestures of goodwill, even as his administration intensifies scrutiny of national security concerns, including cracking down on Chinese student visas. Addressing this issue, Trump clarified his stance on Thursday, saying, “We want to have foreign students, but we want them to be checked.”
His measured approach ensures robust vetting while keeping America open to global talent, aligning with his broader agenda to protect U.S. interests.
With the trade deal’s complexities resolved, Trump confidently stated, “We have a deal with China, as you know, but we were straightening out some of the points… I would say we have a deal, and we’re going to just make sure that everybody understands what the deal is,” cementing his vision for a fair and prosperous U.S.-China economic relationship.
