Trump Hints at Xi Jinping’s Visit Amid Escalating US-China Trade Tensions
US President Donald Trump has signaled that Chinese President Xi Jinping will visit the United States in the near future, as trade tensions between the two global economic powers continue to escalate.
Possible US-China Summit in June
“He’ll be coming in the not-too-distant future,” Trump stated during an event at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington on Monday. However, he did not disclose further details.
According to The Wall Street Journal, Washington and Beijing are in preliminary discussions regarding a potential summit in June, a month that coincides with the birthdays of both leaders.
Read More: Trump to Unveil 25% Tariffs on Steel and Aluminum Amid Rising Trade Tensions
Ongoing US-China Trade War
The anticipated visit comes amid intensifying trade disputes between the US and China. Since returning to office in January, Trump has imposed new tariffs on major trading partners, including:
✔ China
✔ Canada
✔ Mexico
Earlier this month, the US president increased tariffs on Chinese imports from 10% to 20%, citing:
✔ Trade imbalances
✔ China’s failure to curb fentanyl trafficking
China’s Retaliation
In response, Beijing imposed tariffs of up to 15% on US agricultural exports, including:
✔ Soybeans
✔ Pork
✔ Chicken
China, the world’s largest steel producer, also vowed to take “all necessary measures” following Washington’s separate tariffs on steel and aluminum.
Beijing Calls for Dialogue
Amid the escalating tensions, China has urged for “dialogue” to de-escalate trade disputes.
President Xi Jinping last visited the US in November 2023, meeting Trump’s predecessor, Joe Biden, in California in an effort to stabilize US-China relations.
What Xi’s Visit Could Mean for US-China Relations
As the trade war intensifies, President Xi’s upcoming visit is expected to be significant in determining the future of US-China ties. A potential diplomatic breakthrough or further economic confrontation may hinge on this high-stakes meeting.
