Trump, Xi Hold First Call Since November, Signal Thaw in US–China Ties

WASHINGTON/BEIJING: US President Donald Trump said China is considering increasing purchases of American soybeans following what he described as a “very positive” phone call with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday (Feb 4), even as Beijing reiterated its concerns over US arms sales to Taiwan.

In what Trump framed as a goodwill gesture ahead of his expected visit to Beijing in two months, he said Xi was open to raising US soybean imports to 20 million metric tons this season, up from 12 million previously. The prospect helped lift soybean futures.

The call, the first between the two leaders since November, came just hours after Xi held a virtual meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump and Xi discussed Taiwan, trade, and a range of security issues that continue to strain relations between the world’s two largest economies.

Both leaders publicly emphasized the importance of maintaining strong bilateral ties. Trump said on Truth Social that the conversation was “all very positive,” adding that his relationship with Xi is “extremely good” and that both sides understand the importance of preserving it. A Chinese government account quoted Xi as saying he “attaches great importance to Sino-US relations.”

While Trump has often blamed China for driving tougher US policies in areas ranging from Canada to Greenland and Venezuela, his administration has recently softened its stance toward Beijing on several fronts, including tariffs and restrictions on advanced chips and drones.

“Both sides are signaling a desire to maintain stability in the US-China relationship,” said Bonnie Glaser of the German Marshall Fund of the United States.

Taiwan remains a major point of friction. In December, the United States announced its largest-ever arms sales package to Taiwan, worth US$11.1 billion, a move China strongly opposes. Taiwan expects further arms purchases, while Beijing considers the island its own territory — a claim rejected by Taipei.

The US, which formally recognizes China but maintains unofficial ties with Taiwan, is legally obligated to help Taiwan defend itself. China warned that Washington must “carefully handle” arms sales to the island, according to an official summary of the talks.

Separately, investigations into senior Chinese military officials have raised questions about potential implications for China’s foreign policy. Trump downplayed concerns surrounding an investigation into Central Military Commission Vice-Chairman Zhang Youxia, saying there is “one boss in China,” referring to President Xi.

The discussion also took place against the backdrop of looming global arms control challenges. With the last remaining nuclear treaty between the United States and Russia nearing expiration, Trump has said he wants China to be included in future arms control negotiations as Beijing continues to expand its nuclear capabilities.