Trump Hails ‘Very Strong’ China Relationship Following Call With Xi Jinping

US President Donald Trump on Monday held a phone conversation with Chinese President Xi Jinping, during which the two leaders discussed a wide range of issues including the Russia-Ukraine conflict, bilateral trade, and the situation involving Taiwan.

Following the call, Trump posted on Truth Social, saying, "We have done a good, and very important, deal for our Great Farmers - and it will only get better. Our relationship with China is extremely strong!"

According to China's foreign ministry, Xi told Trump during the discussion that the return of Taiwan to mainland China remains a core component of the post-war international order. The interaction also came shortly after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi suggested that Japan's military could intervene if China were to move against Taiwan. Beijing claims Taiwan as its territory, while Japan remains a significant US ally in the Indo-Pacific.

China strongly criticised Takaichi's remarks, heightening tensions and pushing China-Japan relations to a fresh low.

In the phone call, Xi said China and the United States - nations that fought side by side against fascism and militarism during World War II - should work together to safeguard the achievements of that victory.

The United States does not take a position on Taiwan's sovereignty but opposes any attempt to seize the island by force. US law requires Washington to supply Taipei with the necessary military equipment to deter any armed aggression.

Trump has continued the long-standing US policy of strategic ambiguity regarding whether American troops would be deployed in the event of a conflict in the Taiwan Strait. His administration has also pressed Taiwan to raise its defence spending.

Earlier this month, Taiwan's foreign ministry confirmed that it had received formal notification of the Trump administration's approval of a USD 330 million arms package, which includes fighter jet components. Beijing lodged an immediate protest, saying the sale violated the one-China principle under which it considers Taiwan part of its territory. Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said China "deplores and opposes" the decision.

Trade was also discussed during the leaders' call, though China's statement did not mention any specific agreements, such as additional purchases of American soybeans.

Xi noted that since the Busan summit, China-US relations have "generally maintained a steady and positive trajectory," adding that both sides should work toward achieving more constructive progress.

The Chinese side said the two also exchanged views on the Ukraine crisis, with Xi emphasising the need to address the "root" causes of the conflict.

(With AP inputs)