US President Donald Trump has indicated that Chinese President Xi Jinping will visit the United States in the near future, as trade tensions between the two economic powers continue to escalate.
“He’ll be coming in the not-too-distant future,” Trump said while addressing an event at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington on Monday, though he did not provide further details.
According to The Wall Street Journal, preliminary discussions are underway between Washington and Beijing regarding a potential summit in June, which coincides with the birthdays of both leaders.
The development comes as the US and China remain locked in a trade dispute, with Trump imposing tariffs on major trading partners, including China, Canada, and Mexico, since returning to office in January.
Earlier this month, the US president raised tariffs on Chinese imports from 10 per cent to 20 per cent, citing trade imbalances and Beijing’s failure to curb fentanyl trafficking. In response, China imposed levies of up to 15 per cent on US agricultural exports, including soybeans, pork, and chicken.
Beijing has also vowed to take “all necessary measures” following Washington’s separate tariffs on steel and aluminum, as China remains the world’s largest steel producer.
Last week, China called for “dialogue” to de-escalate tensions.
President Xi last visited the US in November 2023, when he met Trump’s predecessor, Joe Biden, in California in an attempt to stabilise US-China relations.
Amid the unfolding trade disputes, the Chinese leader’s anticipated visit is expected to hold significance in shaping future bilateral ties.
