Incoming US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping spoke by phone today, the Chinese Foreign Ministry announced.
Their conversation took place ahead of Trump's inauguration on Monday. US-China relations are expected to be a major topic of discussion during Trump's second term, with tensions between the two superpowers expected to flare over trade, technology and Taiwan, among other issues.
Xi told Trump he expects a "good start" in their bilateral relations, Chinese state media reported.
Trump confirmed via his Twitter account that he spoke with Xi and said the conversation was "very good for both China and the United States." Trump said they discussed trade, fentanyl, TikTok, among other things.
"President Xi and I will do everything possible to make the world a more peaceful and secure place," Trump said.
Trump has threatened to impose 60 percent tariffs on Chinese imports to the United States, but he has also in the past praised his relationship with Xi and suggested that China could help mediate international crises such as the war in Ukraine.
Xi will not attend Trump's inauguration. China will be represented by Vice President Han Zheng.
Trump said in an interview in December that he had been communicating with Xi since he won the election. Trump said in the interview that he has a very good relationship with the Chinese leader. He said they did not discuss Taiwan but that they did discuss other issues.
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