Janice R. Andrews
President-elect Donald Trump held a significant phone call with Chinese leader Xi Jinping on Thursday evening, discussing trade, TikTok, and other pressing matters. The conversation took place just hours before the U.S. Supreme Court upheld a ban on TikTok, citing national security concerns over its Chinese ownership.
Trump described the call as productive, expressing optimism about the future of U.S.-China relations. “We discussed balancing trade, fentanyl, TikTok, and many other subjects. President Xi and I will do everything possible to make the world more peaceful and safe!” he shared on his Truth Social platform.
During the call, Xi highlighted the importance of U.S.-China cooperation and expressed hope for a positive beginning to bilateral ties under Trump’s leadership. This exchange marked a notable contrast to Trump’s campaign rhetoric, where he criticized China’s trade practices and threatened significant tariffs on imports.
The issue of TikTok has been a recurring theme during Trump’s political tenure. While he previously pushed for a ban to protect U.S. user data, Trump has recently softened his stance. He even credited the platform for aiding his election victory and supported its continued availability in a filing submitted to the Supreme Court.
Despite his remarks, the Supreme Court unanimously upheld the ban on Friday, aligning with Congress and the Department of Justice’s concerns over TikTok’s potential security risks. Reacting to the decision, Trump stated, “The Supreme Court decision was expected, and everyone must respect it. My decision on TikTok will be made soon. Stay tuned!”
In an unusual diplomatic move, Trump invited Xi to attend his inauguration on Monday, a departure from tradition, as foreign nations are typically represented by ambassadors and diplomats. The Chinese foreign ministry later confirmed that Vice President Han Zheng would attend on Xi’s behalf.
This exchange suggests a possible shift in Trump’s approach to U.S.-China relations. While his campaign was marked by tough rhetoric, his recent tone hints at a willingness to cooperate on shared global challenges.
As Trump prepares to take office, the conversation underscores the complex and evolving dynamics between the two nations. Issues like trade imbalances, the opioid crisis, and national security concerns will test Trump’s ability to balance firm policies with diplomacy.
Stay tuned for updates as the incoming president tackles these critical global issues in the early days of his administration.
