US President Donald Trump confirms Chinese leader Xi Jinping will visit the White House later this year, signalling a potential reset in strained bilateral ties
WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has confirmed he will host Chinese leader Xi Jinping at the White House toward the end of the year. The announcement signals an effort to reset ties between the world’s two largest economies, which have been strained by a protracted trade war.
Trump revealed the planned visit in an interview with NBC News. He described the relationship between the two nations as “very good,” noting “these are the two most powerful countries in the world.”
The interview was taped on Wednesday, following a wide-ranging call between the two leaders. Their discussion covered trade, Taiwan, Russia’s war in Ukraine, and the situation in Iran.
Trump is expected to travel to China in April, preceding Xi’s reciprocal visit to the United States later in 2026. Xi last visited the US in 2023.
During their call, Xi urged Trump to proceed with “caution” regarding US arms sales to self-ruled Taiwan. China claims the island as part of its territory.
The Chinese leader also expressed hope that bilateral issues, including trade, could be resolved amicably. “By tackling issues one by one and continuously building mutual trust, we can forge a right way for the two countries to get along,” Xi said, according to state broadcaster CCTV.
Trump characterised the conversation with Xi as “excellent.” He added that “we both realize how important it is to keep it that way.”
Since returning to office a year ago, Trump has aggressively deployed tariffs. His administration has unveiled sector-specific levies on steel, autos, and other goods, alongside broader measures to achieve various policy objectives.
The White House has clashed with Beijing on trade but reached a broad truce after a major escalation last spring. Despite US efforts to reduce dependence on Chinese manufacturing, the two economies remain deeply intertwined.
In a separate development, the United States on Friday proposed three-way talks with Russia and China to establish new limits on nuclear weapons. Beijing has so far rejected joining such disarmament negotiations “at this stage.”