Xi Jinping and Trump Discuss China-US Relations and Taiwan's Status in 2025

Chinese President Xi Jinping engaged in a phone conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday, November 24, 2025, to discuss key elements shaping the bilateral relationship and broader geopolitical concerns. The dialogue, reported by Chinese state media, centered on the normalization of ties and the importance of cooperation following months of trade-related tensions and strategic disagreements.

Xi emphasized the importance of upholding the post-World War II international order during the call. He underscored that Taiwan’s “return to China” is a fundamental component of this order, reflecting China’s long-standing stance that the island is an inseparable part of its territory. According to the Chinese Foreign Ministry, Xi reiterated that the two nations—once allies in the fight against fascism—should now collaborate to preserve the peace and stability achieved in the aftermath of the global conflict.

This discussion emerged amid a recent diplomatic standoff involving China and Japan, where Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi suggested that a potential Chinese military move against Taiwan could elicit a Japanese response. China has since escalated tensions with Japan, implementing travel advisories and halting the import of certain Japanese goods.

Despite the external pressures, Xi noted that U.S.-China relations have “stabilized and improved” since their in-person meeting in South Korea on October 30. At that meeting, the two leaders addressed ongoing trade disputes, resulting in measures such as a 10% reduction in U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods and China’s resumption of U.S. soybean purchases. While no new agreements were announced during the November call, both leaders expressed a shared interest in sustaining the positive momentum and expanding areas of cooperation.

Xi urged Washington to continue building on this progress and work toward a broader understanding that benefits both nations. “Cooperation benefits both sides while confrontation hurts both,” he told Trump, echoing a central theme in recent diplomatic outreach.

The two also exchanged views on the ongoing war in Ukraine. Xi reiterated China’s support for peace initiatives and urged all involved parties to work toward resolving differences and narrowing divides.

The phone call highlights the ongoing efforts to manage one of the most complex and consequential bilateral relationships in the world. While strategic issues like Taiwan remain contentious, both sides appear committed to maintaining communication channels and pursuing mutually beneficial cooperation where possible.