President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping spoke by phone on Monday, a conversation that centered on Taiwan amid fresh tensions across East Asia.
The call marked the latest effort by both leaders to assert influence as diplomatic frictions with Tokyo and defense decisions over the self-governing island deepen.
White House officials confirmed the discussion, which came only weeks after Trump and Xi agreed to a trade truce in Busan.
While Washington and Beijing each disclosed aspects of the conversation, both withheld key details, signaling the sensitivity around Taiwan’s future and the postwar international order.
Why Did Trump's Call With Xi Focus on Taiwan?
Xi Jinping used the phone call to emphasize his view that Taiwan’s “return to mainland China” is critical to global stability after World War II.
Chinese officials linked this position to historical agreements, arguing that the US must respect the outcome of Allied decisions and avoid supporting “separatism.”
Trump echoed these stakes publicly yet stopped short of making new policy promises, saying he respects China’s perspective but will defend American interests.
The leaders’ dialogue came days after the US approved a major arms sale to Taiwan, prompting immediate protest from Beijing.
Chinese lawmakers described the sale as a threat to reunification and stability, expressing concern that increased American support could further embolden Taiwan to reject mainland overtures.
Both sides, according to diplomatic messages, reaffirmed the need to manage disagreements and “jointly safeguard” what they termed the victory of World War II.
Did you know?
Since 1979, the US has maintained 'strategic ambiguity' about defending Taiwan without a formal treaty.
Did the Leaders Address Trade Truce and Arms Sales?
The call followed an October 30 summit in Busan, South Korea, where Trump and Xi agreed to freeze new tariffs and ease restrictions on strategic goods.
Since then, China has resumed US soybean purchases and committed to buy at least 25 million metric tons annually through 2028, reaching a milestone for bilateral trade.
Both leaders called the truce “successful,” but officials noted that new weapons transfers to Taiwan reshuffle regional priorities.
Chinese authorities criticized the latest $330 million US arms package to Taiwan, the first under Trump’s current term.
That move, announced in mid-November, triggered condemnations and diplomatic protests from Beijing.
US sources said Trump remains committed to maintaining stability in the region but views arms sales as necessary for Taiwanese self-defense.
This tension sits at the heart of ongoing trade talks, where security rivalries sometimes offset economic concessions.
How Have China-Japan Tensions Shaped US Policy?
Japan’s recent announcement, warning that a Chinese invasion of Taiwan could trigger a military response, has inflamed the regional crisis.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi argued that Japan faces an existential threat, drawing a sharp rebuke from Chinese officials.
Beijing responded by issuing travel advisories against Japan, banning imports of Japanese seafood, and sending a formal letter to the United Nations condemning Takaichi’s stance.
US analysts suggest that China’s growing frustration with Japan is complicating the Taiwan debate.
As Washington calibrates arms and trade moves, it also weighs the risk of dragging Japan further into confrontation.
Trump reportedly discussed with Xi how the US and China should “jointly safeguard” historical outcomes.
Still, there remains little public consensus on whether multinational diplomacy can reduce the likelihood of military escalation.
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Are U.S.-China Talks Calming Taiwan Anxiety or Raising It?
While Trump described the conversation as “very good,” many observers view continued US arms sales and China’s rhetoric as causes for unease in Taipei and beyond.
Taiwanese officials welcomed American support but warned that diplomatic ambiguity creates uncertainty for the island’s future.
Chinese sources maintain that military deterrence is warranted if Taiwan crosses red lines, especially following recent statements from US and Japanese leaders.
The White House has not detailed any concessions on Taiwan, stating only that Trump accepted Xi’s invitation to visit China in April and extended a reciprocal invitation to Xi to visit the US later this year.
Policy experts emphasize that the lack of concrete outcomes, coupled with ongoing arms transfers, raises questions about regional stability. The prolonged uncertainty keeps financial markets and militaries on edge.
What Comes Next for Trump, Xi, and Global Stability?
Both governments seem committed to continuous engagement, with China urging the US to “maintain momentum” following their October summit.
Chinese officials said Xi supports “all efforts conducive to peace,” advocating a binding agreement for Ukraine and hinting at similar hopes for Taiwan.
However, recent events show that words alone cannot defuse the underlying competition for power and strategic advantage across the Asia Pacific.
Looking forward, the Trump administration’s approach to Taiwan will likely be shaped by Japan’s security policies and ongoing trade talks with China.
Xi’s insistence on postwar norms and reunification remains unwavering, as does Trump’s determination to assert US interests in the region.
The next round of summits and visits, scheduled for spring, may be pivotal in either calming tempers or intensifying historic rivalries.
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