Chinese President Xi Jinping told US President Donald Trump during a phone call on Monday that Taiwan’s 'return to China' is a fundamental element of the post–World War Two international order, according to China’s state news agency Xinhua. Xi said China and the United States “once fought side by side against fascism and militarism” and should now work together to safeguard the outcomes of the war.

A White House official confirmed the call took place but did not provide further details.

Beijing considers Taiwan part of its territory and has not ruled out the use of force to bring the island under its control. Taiwan’s government rejects China’s claims, maintaining that only its people can determine their future.

The phone call came amid heightened diplomatic tensions between China and Japan. Relations have deteriorated sharply after Japan’s new Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi—long known for her tough stance on Beijing—warned that a hypothetical Chinese attack on self-ruled Taiwan could prompt a military response from Tokyo. The comments drew swift criticism from Beijing, marking one of the most serious rifts between the two Asian powers in years.

Xi and Trump last met in South Korea in October following months of trade frictions driven by Trump’s tariff policies. Since then, Beijing has resumed purchases of US soybeans and rolled back expanded restrictions on rare earth exports, while Washington has reduced tariffs on Chinese goods by 10%. Xi said the moves show that bilateral ties have “stabilised and improved” since their meeting.

“The facts again show that cooperation benefits both sides while confrontation hurts both,” Xi told Trump, urging renewed momentum in dialogue and expanded cooperation.

The leaders also discussed the war in Ukraine. Xi reiterated that China supports “all efforts conducive to peace” and called on all parties involved to narrow their differences. Trade was also raised, though the Chinese statement did not disclose any specific agreements reached during the call.