Washington (Web Desk): In a recent phone conversation, US President-elect Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed a mutual desire to foster stronger relations between their two nations.
Both leaders agreed on the importance of starting off their future collaboration with a positive outlook, with Trump stating that he expected to address a range of global issues together.
Trump, who had previously criticized China during his campaign, especially on economic matters, said that he was open to discussions with Xi and focused on finding solutions to trade imbalances, the ongoing fentanyl crisis, and issues related to tech companies like TikTok.
Trump, however, made it clear that he aimed to protect US interests, particularly by considering ways to delay or reverse a potential ban on TikTok, which has been under scrutiny for security reasons in the United States.
The phone call was framed by some as a sign of hope for a more cooperative future between the US and China, despite Trump's earlier threats of imposing additional tariffs on Chinese goods.
However, the prospect of escalating tensions remains. Trump’s choice for Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, has called China a “threat” to American security, a position that is likely to strain relations further.
For their part, Chinese officials have rejected criticism from Washington, urging the US to stop making unfounded attacks.
China’s message has been clear: while they are open to dialogue, they strongly oppose any actions that they perceive as hostile or unjustified.
The Biden administration, which prioritized diplomatic efforts to ease tensions with China, also made strides in addressing issues like the fentanyl trade.
Biden’s policies sought to create a more stable relationship with China, emphasizing that the US would remain the global leader but could still find common ground with Beijing.
As Trump returns to power, the outlook for US-China relations will depend on how both leaders navigate the delicate issues of trade, security, and technology while avoiding open conflict.
The challenge for both nations will be maintaining peace while managing the intense competition that marks their interactions on the world stage.