In a move aimed at defusing one of the most consequential trade confrontations in recent global history, US President Donald Trump has confirmed that Chinese President Xi Jinping extended an official invitation for him to visit Beijing. The invitation followed a 90-minute phone conversation between the two leaders on June 5, described by Trump as “very good” and focused “almost entirely on trade.” Trump made the remarks on Truth Social, further signaling his administration’s openness to re-engage diplomatically after months of escalating tensions.

According to China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and its embassy in Washington, the call was initiated at Trump’s request. It marked only the second direct conversation between the two heads of state since Trump’s return to the presidency and came amid renewed volatility in US-China relations.

The call follows a dramatic re-escalation of the trade war, which began in Trump’s first term and had cooled slightly during the Biden administration. On April 2, Trump announced sweeping new tariffs on imports from more than 90 countries, with China receiving the harshest treatment. Citing longstanding trade imbalances, the Trump administration raised duties on Chinese imports to a staggering 145%, effectively implementing a quasi-embargo on a broad range of goods.

Beijing responded swiftly, imposing its own retaliatory tariffs of up to 125% on US exports, including agricultural products, machinery, and other key sectors. The tit-for-tat measures triggered alarm across global markets and prompted........

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