"Xi graciously invited me to China": Trump announced a visit after trade talks

On the evening of June 5, at the initiative of the American side, a telephone conversation took place between Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump.
US President Donald Trump reported on his Truth Social platform that Chinese President Xi Jinping invited him and the US First Lady to visit China, to which the American leader responded with a reciprocal invitation. "The conversation lasted about an hour and a half and ended positively for both countries. The conversation was quite good, we discussed some details of the recently concluded trade deal," Trump noted.
According to him, the conversation was devoted almost exclusively to trade, and the issues of Russia, Ukraine, or Iran were not raised. "As presidents of two great powers, we look forward to this. The conversation was almost entirely devoted to TRADE," he added.

According to official Chinese sources, China's President Xi Jinping noted in the conversation: “Maintaining the correct course of the ship of Chinese-American relations requires us to stand firmly at its helm and set the right direction. Most importantly, overcoming different obstacles and even sabotage is extremely important. At the initiative of the American side, Chinese-American talks on trade and economic issues were held in Geneva the other day. This marks a significant step towards resolving the relevant issues through dialogue and consultations, which has received broad positive responses not only from the public in both countries, but also in the entire international community, and has become evidence of the lack of alternative to dialogue and cooperation.” Both sides should properly use the existing mechanism of trade and economic consultations, achieve mutually beneficial results in the spirit of equality and respect for each other’s concerns. China has approached this quite sincerely, but at the same time acting within the framework of its principles. The Chinese are always true to their word and see things through to the end. Once a consensus has been reached, it must be observed by both sides. Since the Geneva talks ended, China has fulfilled the agreements in all seriousness. And the United States, for its part, should realistically assess the existing results and cancel the negative measures against China. It is important to increase exchanges in such areas as diplomacy, trade, economics, military, law enforcement, etc., strengthen mutual understanding, reduce misunderstandings and increase cooperation."

Chinese President Xi Jinping stressed that the United States should take a balanced approach to the Taiwan issue. It is unacceptable for the extremely small number of separatists for the so-called "Taiwan independence" to push China and the United States to the dangerous brink of conflict and confrontation. Trump noted that he has a feeling of deep respect for Chairman Xi Jinping and pointed out the extreme importance of relations between the United States and China. According to Trump, the American side welcomes the steady and powerful growth of the Chinese economy. American-Chinese cooperation promises many good things. The United States will remain committed to the one-China policy. Following the successful trade and economic negotiations in Geneva, an excellent consensus was reached, and Washington is determined to make joint efforts with Beijing to implement it. The American side welcomes Chinese students to come to the United States to study. Xi Jinping said that he would be happy to welcome Trump to China again. Trump expressed his sincere gratitude. It was agreed that the teams of the two sides would continue to implement the Geneva agreements in favor of holding the next round of negotiations as soon as possible.

This conversation between Xi Jinping and Donald Trump may mark the beginning of several important directions for the further development of Chinese-American relations.
The telephone conversation took place at the initiative of the American side, which already demonstrates the US desire to restore/stabilize relations after a period of tension, as well as possible preparations for small geopolitical concessions from Washington. Today, it is more important than ever for Trump to demonstrate to the world that he is capable of reaching agreements even with larger strategic rivals. The lack of progress in resolving the Russian-Ukrainian conflict and ending the war in Palestine undermines his image as a politician capable of reaching an agreement.
The conversation was positive and was accompanied by mutual invitations to visits, which indicates a desire for political "détente" and an intention to demonstrate diplomatic rapprochement. This "positive conversation" and positive tone will be used by Trump in his future rhetoric, demonstrating his "ability to resolve foreign policy challenges," although these challenges were precisely those constructed and thrown into US-Chinese relations by Trump himself.
There will be an intensification of trade and economic dialogue, since the parties confirmed their readiness to implement the agreements reached in Geneva. Rather, new rounds of trade talks can be expected, since the positions are still far from a real agreement, which may lead to a partial lifting of tariffs, and Trump's visit to China will provide a temporary economic "détente". In the next 2 months, tariffs on certain groups of goods are possible, as well as a possible agreement on the protection of intellectual property and digital trade. The United States may partially or completely soften previously imposed tariffs or export restrictions. China will likely announce an increase in purchases of American goods, especially agricultural products and technology, as part of a pragmatic approach to "mutual benefit".
During a conversation with the US President, Chinese President Xi Jinping made it clear that the Taiwan issue is a "red line" and expects caution from the US. Xi Jinping warned against supporting "Taiwan independence" from the US, and any steps by Washington in this direction could nullify the consensus reached. The US is not expected to increase any activity in the Taiwan Strait soon, but covert support for Taiwan is possible, which will naturally cause a new wave of irritation in Beijing.
Positive signals regarding Chinese students in the US are a symbolic step towards détente, as are possible new agreements in the field of scientific and educational cooperation. Expanded communications through diplomatic, military, and law enforcement channels are expected to avoid misunderstandings and incidents.
Washington is testing the possibility of "restarting" trade relations on favorable terms. China, on the other hand, is interested in reducing pressure and restoring exports, especially in sensitive sectors - semiconductors, AI, and the agricultural industry. The Geneva agreements probably concern access to markets, lifting some restrictions, and limited technology exchange. The US wants to focus on economic benefits, avoiding controversial and toxic topics.
China, consciously or diplomatically, introduces only several economic topics into the dialogue. This approach creates a temporary window for economic de-escalation, but strategic competition (especially in the area of global leadership) remains inevitable.
The expert community is not so optimistic and predicts a moderate improvement in trade relations, while the previous sanctions and restrictions on strategic industries remain. It will be possible to observe an intensification of dialogue, but without strategic rapprochement. However, they do not rule out the breakdown of the Geneva agreements, the resumption of the tariff war, and the escalation of rhetoric. Despite the positive tone, the parties retain deep contradictions (Taiwan, technology, and influence in the Asia-Pacific region). Fundamental differences remain, so this is more of a tactical pause than a strategic rapprochement.
The conversation between Xi Jinping and Donald Trump is an important tactical step towards stabilizing relations, while both sides pursue strategic interests, even though the United States is not ready for a serious compromise. Beijing wants to reduce pressure and gain time for internal economic restructuring. Washington wants to receive political dividends without strategic concessions. This is a game of time, but it could become a turning point if it is supported by concrete steps: real deals, visits, and institutional initiatives.
Elbrus Mamedov

SR-CENTER.INFO