In a surprising and diplomatically significant development, US President-elect Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping engaged in a phone call on Jan 17, marking their first direct communication since Trump’s initial term ended in 2021. The conversation, which Trump described as “very good for both China and the USA,” touched on critical issues such as trade, fentanyl, and the impending fate of TikTok in the United States.

Trump announced the call on his Truth Social platform, emphasizing his optimism about the renewed dialogue. “It is my expectation that we will solve many problems together, and starting immediately. We discussed balancing Trade, Fentanyl, TikTok, and many other subjects,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform. He further highlighted their shared commitment to fostering global peace and safety, a notable departure from the contentious tone that often defined US-China relations during his first presidency.

The phone call comes at a critical juncture for US-China relations, which remain fraught with tensions over trade policies, technology, and geopolitical rivalry. During Trump’s previous tenure, the relationship between the two global powers was marked by high-profile confrontations, including a trade war and sanctions on Chinese tech firms such as Huawei.

Trump’s approach to China has historically been combative, centered on addressing the trade deficit, curbing intellectual property theft, and pressing Beijing on issues like fentanyl production. His administration imposed sweeping tariffs on Chinese goods and scrutinized Chinese investments in the US, moves that Beijing countered with retaliatory measures.

The latest dialogue, however, suggests a potential shift in tone as Trump prepares to assume office. By focusing on mutual cooperation........

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