Chinese President Xi Jinping told US President Donald Trump during a phone call on Monday that Taiwan’s “return to China” remains a key part of the post-World War Two international order, according to China’s state news agency Xinhua. Xi said China and the United States once fought together against fascism and militarism, and should now work jointly to preserve the outcomes of that era.
A White House official confirmed that the call took place but gave no additional details.
China views Taiwan as part of its territory and has not ruled out using force to take control of the island. Taiwan rejects Beijing’s position, saying its future must be decided by its own people.
The conversation between Xi and Trump came at a time of rising tension between China and Japan. Relations between the two countries have worsened after Japan’s new Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, warned that a Chinese attack on Taiwan could trigger a military response from Tokyo. Her comments drew sharp criticism from Beijing and have deepened the diplomatic strain.
Xi and Trump previously met in South Korea in October, following months of trade friction under Trump’s tariff measures. Since that meeting, China has resumed buying US soybeans and lifted its expanded restrictions on rare earth exports, while the United States has reduced some tariffs on Chinese goods by 10%. Xi said these steps show that relations between the two countries have begun to stabilise and improve.
He added that cooperation benefits both sides, while confrontation harms them, encouraging further dialogue and stronger engagement.
The two leaders also spoke about the war in Ukraine. Xi repeated China’s position that it supports all efforts aimed at achieving peace and called on involved parties to work toward narrowing differences. Trade was also discussed, although China’s statement did not mention any new agreements from the call.
