TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan was one of the key topics of conversation in a telephone call between US President-elect Donald Trump and China’s leader Xi Jinping (習近平) on Friday.
It was the first reported direct talks between the pair since Trump was elected in November, according to Reuters. Both men said it was a positive discussion and a strong start to US-China relations.
“The call was a very good one for both China and the USA. It is my expectation that we will solve many problems together, and starting immediately,” Trump commented on Truth Social.
“President Xi and I will do everything possible to make the World more peaceful and safe!”
Chinese state media said Trump had requested the call and Xi congratulated him on becoming president again. Xinhua quoted Xi as saying it was inevitable the US and China had “differences” but the key was to respect each other’s “core interests.”
“He (Xi) said that the Taiwan question concerns China's national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and it is hoped that the US side handles it with caution.”
Other issues discussed by the two leaders were said to be trade, the fentanyl crisis, the possible sale of TikTok in the US, and international affairs such as the Ukraine war and situation in Gaza.
As for local reaction, Taiwan’s China Times reported the two heads of state agreed to establish a strategic communications channel. It added that Trump had previously said the pair got on well but the US leader has also accused China of cheating economically.