Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President-elect Donald Trump held a Friday phone call ahead of Trump's swearing-in ceremony, agreeing on the establishment of strategic communication channels and regular contacts on major issues of shared concern.
An official media readout here said Xi took a phone call from Trump during which he congratulated the US President-elect on his re-election. Trump also confirmed the talks on his Truth Social media platform, calling it "very good", and said it focused on "trade, fentanyl, TikTok and other subjects".
Xi Jinping told Donald Trump that he hopes both can respect each other's core interests and major concerns, and a proper solution could be found to their differences, said a media readout. Xi urged Trump to "exercise restraint on the Taiwan issue.".
During the talks, Xi told Trump that it was "natural" for the two big countries with different national conditions to have some disagreements. The important thing is to respect each other's core interests and major concerns and find a proper solution, Xi said.
"The Taiwan question concerns China's sovereignty and territorial integrity. The US side needs to approach it with prudence," he said.
It also claims Taiwan to be part of its mainland, which it plans to reunite.
China, in particular, is seriously bothered about the threats from Trump for imposing 60 per cent tariffs on Chinese exports into the US market on January 20 when the latter assumes the office.
Says Xi, "The two-way economic relationships are basically positive-sum and non-conflict in nature. Conflict and struggle should not become the option for either side.".
He said that the two leaders attach great importance to their interactions, and both hope for a good start to the China-US relationship during the new US presidency.
President Xi also expressed his readiness to secure greater progress in China-US relations from a new starting point.
Xi has deputed Vice-President Han Zheng to attend the Tump’s swearing-in ceremony, the first time a senior Chinese official will be present at a US presidential inauguration.
Trump invited Xi to his inauguration, however, the Chinese leader never attends the swearing-in of foreign leaders.
After the talks, Trump said he held a “very good” phone call with Xi.
Just spoke to Chairman Xi Jinping of China," Trump wrote on Truth Social. "I expect many good things from them, and they do. Many problems to be solved, starting immediately." Trump said the pair discussed trade, fentanyl, TikTok and other subjects, and said that the call was "very good" for both countries.
"President Xi and I will do everything possible to make the World more peaceful and safe!" CNN quoted his Truth Social post.
Trump's spokesperson Karoline Leavitt told US media that the invitation to Xi was an "example of Trump creating an open dialogue with leaders of countries that are not just our allies but our adversaries and our competitors".
Read also| Trump Takes Credit for Gaza Ceasefire Deal, Citing 'Historic Victory'
