Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump held a phone conversation on the night of 23 November, Beijing time.
President Xi said that during their meeting in Busan, South Korea last month, the two leaders reached important understandings on various issues. These agreements, he noted, have added new momentum to China–U.S. relations and sent a positive message to the world. Since the Busan meeting, China–U.S. relations have remained generally stable and continue to improve—something welcomed by both nations and the international community.
Xi emphasized that cooperation between China and the United States benefits both sides, while confrontation harms both. He said the two countries can support each other in achieving success and prosperity. He urged both sides to maintain the current positive trend, move forward based on equality, mutual respect and mutual benefit, expand cooperation, reduce tensions, and work toward progress that benefits the people of both countries as well as the wider world.
On the Taiwan issue, Xi reaffirmed China’s position. He said Taiwan’s return to China is a key part of the international order established after World War II. He reminded that China and the United States once fought side by side against fascism and militarism, and that both sides should protect the achievements of World War II.
In response, President Trump praised Xi as a great leader and said their meeting in Busan was pleasant. He fully agreed with Xi’s views on bilateral relations.
Trump noted that both sides are implementing the important understandings reached in Busan. He added that China made major contributions to victory in World War II and that the United States understands the importance of the Taiwan issue to China.
The two leaders also discussed the Ukraine crisis. Xi stressed that China supports all efforts aimed at achieving peace and hopes all parties involved will reduce differences and work toward an early, fair, lasting, and effective agreement to resolve the conflict.
Source: Shishir–Alim–Mukta, China Media Group.