President Donald Trump has confirmed a productive and extended phone call with Chinese President Xi Jinping, describing the 90-minute conversation as “very good” and centered almost entirely on trade—a key area of tension and opportunity between the world’s two largest economies.
According to senior officials, the two leaders discussed a range of trade-related issues, including rare earth mineral exports, agricultural markets, and tariff adjustments. Most significantly, both sides agreed to resume in-person negotiations in the coming weeks, signaling what many are calling a long-overdue reset in U.S.-China economic relations.
Trump noted that the tone of the call was respectful and constructive. “We had a very good conversation,” he said. “We’re working to fix what the Biden administration let fall apart. It’s not about politics—it’s about putting America back in the strongest position.”
The renewed trade discussions will be led by a high-level U.S. delegation including Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. They’re expected to meet with Chinese counterparts in neutral territory to hammer out terms that favor American manufacturing, energy exports, and intellectual property protections.
While the call was a positive step forward, Trump also made it clear the United States will not hesitate to hold China accountable for violations of past trade commitments. Officials hinted that retaliatory tariffs would remain on the table if China fails to show good faith in negotiations.
The call comes amid a broader strategic push by the Trump administration to rebalance trade relationships, reinforce American sovereignty in economic matters, and ensure no foreign power—especially one with a record of IP theft and state-controlled markets—can undermine U.S. workers.
As one senior adviser put it, “President Trump is bringing strength back to the negotiating table. This isn’t about empty diplomacy. This is about results for the American people.”