Executive Summary
The Story So Far
Why This Matters
Who Thinks What?
Chinese President Xi Jinping told President Donald Trump that Washington should cease imposing unilateral tariffs, while also indicating China’s openness to negotiations concerning the short-video application TikTok, according to a Chinese state media summary of their recent phone call. The exchange, described as positive and constructive by the official readout, marked the first direct communication between the two leaders in three months.
Trade and Tariffs
During the call, President Xi reportedly urged President Trump to stop the practice of imposing unilateral tariffs. This directive reflects Beijing’s consistent position on the ongoing trade disputes that have characterized a significant portion of the U.S.-China relationship in recent years.
China has frequently criticized the U.S. use of tariffs as a tool for economic pressure, advocating instead for resolutions through dialogue and established international trade frameworks.
TikTok’s Future
Regarding the contentious issue of TikTok, President Xi clarified China’s position, stating that the government respects corporate will. He conveyed that China welcomes companies to conduct business negotiations based on market rules.
The goal of such negotiations, according to the Xinhua summary, would be to reach a solution consistent with Chinese laws and regulations, ensuring a balance of interests for all parties involved.
Call Dynamics and Unresolved Questions
The Chinese state media’s summary characterized the Friday call between President Xi and President Trump as “positive and constructive.” This description suggests a diplomatic tone despite the underlying tensions on various fronts.
However, the official readout notably did not specify whether the two sides had reached a definitive agreement on the future of TikTok, leaving that question open. The U.S. administration has previously expressed concerns about the app’s data security and ownership.
The recent phone call highlights the intricate and often challenging nature of U.S.-China relations, balancing economic friction over tariffs with discussions on the future of globally influential technology companies like TikTok.
