Trump: I will visit China early next year, and President Xi will visit the United States at an appropriate time.

Trump: I will visit China early next year, and President Xi will visit the United States at an appropriate time.

President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping engaged in a significant phone conversation on September 19, 2025, marking the first known dialogue between the two leaders in three months. The discussion, which was reported by Chinese state media and Reuters, focused on two key areas: the future of the social media app TikTok in the U.S. and ongoing trade tensions between the two superpowers.

The primary objective of the conversation was to reach an agreement that would allow TikTok to continue operating in the U.S. under U.S. ownership, while also addressing broader trade issues. This comes amidst a backdrop of escalating tensions over trade, including restrictions on key industries such as semiconductors and rare earths. The U.S. had previously ordered TikTok to shut down for U.S. users by January 2025 if its U.S. assets were not sold by its Chinese owner, ByteDance. However, Trump has been reluctant to enforce this order due to concerns over potential user backlash and political implications.

The phone call also discussed the possibility of a potential in-person summit between Xi and Trump during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in South Korea on October 30-November 1. This meeting would be a significant step in easing relations between the two countries, which have been strained due to trade disputes and geopolitical tensions.

In an early sign of goodwill, China permitted the departure of Wells Fargo banker Chenyue Mao, who had been prevented from returning to the United States for several months. This move was seen as a positive gesture aimed at improving relations between the two nations.

Following the phone call, Trump announced that he would visit China early next year, and President Xi would visit the United States at an appropriate time. This planned visit underscores the leaders' commitment to resolving outstanding issues and strengthening bilateral relations.

The conversation also touched on other key issues, including the re-establishment of a U.S. presence at Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan. Trump expressed interest in regaining control of the strategic air base due to its proximity to China. China, however, emphasized that the decision should be left to Afghanistan and its people, respecting the country's sovereignty.

The phone call between Trump and Xi Jinping is a significant development in the ongoing trade war between the two countries. It highlights the leaders' willingness to engage in dialogue and work towards a resolution that benefits both nations. The planned visits further signal a potential thawing of relations, which could have significant implications for global trade and geopolitical dynamics.