Trump Announces Upcoming Visit from China’s Xi Amid Trade Tensions
President Donald Trump stated on Monday that Chinese President Xi Jinping is set to visit the United States soon, as trade disputes escalate between the two leading global economies over Trump’s tariffs, according to a report by AFP.
During a press conference at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C., Trump mentioned, "He’ll be coming in the not-too-distant future," referring to the Chinese leader.
Although Trump did not elaborate further, The Wall Street Journal reported last week that discussions have begun between Washington and Beijing for a potential summit scheduled in June, a month of significance for both leaders as they celebrate their birthdays.
Since his return to the White House in January, Trump has imposed tariffs on various trading partners, including China, Canada, and Mexico, citing issues like trade imbalances and the need to curb the influx of dangerous fentanyl.
China has expressed a desire for "dialogue" with the United States in recent discussions.
Earlier this month, Trump increased a previously established 10% tariff on Chinese goods to 20%.
In response, China announced tariffs of up to 15% on a variety of U.S. agricultural products, including soybeans, pork, and chicken. As the world’s largest steel producer, China has also stated it will take "all necessary measures" in retaliation against new U.S. tariffs on both steel and aluminum.
Xi’s last visit to the United States was in November 2023, where he met with Joe Biden, Trump’s Democratic predecessor, in California in an effort to ease rising tensions between the two nations.
