Beijing, Jan 17: In a significant diplomatic exchange, US President-elect Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping held a telephone conversation late Friday, as reported by China’s Foreign Ministry. This discussion precedes Trump’s impending inauguration, marking the beginning of his second term. The US-China relationship promises to be a pivotal aspect of Trump’s foreign policy, with existing tensions spanning trade, technology, and Taiwan.
Trump confirmed the conversation on Truth Social, describing it as “very good for both China and the USA.” Key topics addressed included trade, the fentanyl crisis, and the TikTok platform. Highlighting a cooperative tone, Trump stated, “President Xi and I will do everything possible to make the World more peaceful and safe!”
Despite Trump’s frequent criticism of China and threats to impose 60% tariffs on Chinese imports, he has previously commended his rapport with Xi, hinting at potential Chinese mediation in global conflicts like the war in Ukraine. Xi will not attend Trump’s inauguration; instead, China will be represented by Vice President Han Zheng. Trump, in a “Meet the Press” interview, emphasized his ongoing communication with Xi and vouched for their “very good relationship,” noting Taiwan was not discussed.
Simultaneously, in the US, Senate scrutiny intensifies over Trump’s homeland security nominee, South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem. A two-term governor and former congresswoman, Noem will appear before the Senate for her confirmation hearing on Friday. Her appointment is central to Trump’s agenda for curtailing illegal immigration. As head of the Department of Homeland Security, Noem would oversee crucial agencies including US Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and Citizenship and Immigration Services. Her leadership is expected to steer Trump’s controversial immigration policies of mass deportations and stricter border controls. (AP)
Original Source: https://theshillongtimes.com/2025/01/18/trump-xi-speak-on-phone-ahead-of-inauguration/
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Publish Date: 2025-01-18 02:14:00
