Trump, Xi speak on trade, Taiwan and Ukraine

Washington: President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping spoke by phone Monday to discuss trade, Taiwan, and Ukraine, nearly a month after meeting in Busan, South Korea, officials said.

Xi told Trump that Taiwan’s return to China is “an integral part of the post-war international order,” according to the Chinese foreign ministry. A White House official confirmed the call but gave no details.

The call follows Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s remarks that Japan could intervene if China acted against Taiwan. Beijing rebuked her comments, worsening China-Japan ties.

Xi also urged the US and China to “jointly safeguard the victory of World War II.” The US has not taken a stance on Taiwan’s sovereignty but opposes force to change it. Under domestic law, it provides Taiwan with arms to deter attacks; Trump has maintained strategic ambiguity over troop deployment.

Earlier this month, Taiwan confirmed a USD 330 million US arms sale, including fighter jet parts, which China protested as violating the one-China principle.

Trade discussions reportedly continued, though no concrete agreements were reported. Xi said bilateral ties have “generally maintained a steady and positive trajectory” and called for “more positive progress.” The leaders also discussed the Ukraine crisis, which Xi said should be resolved “at its root.”