Xi Jinping. Trump said he also extended an invitation to Xi to visit the White House during what he described as a “very good talk,” although a trip to Washington has not yet been confirmed by Beijing. Thursday’s call marked the first direct communication between the two leaders since Trump launched a trade war with China in February. According to Chinese state media, the call took place at the request of the White House.

On social media, Trump said the hour-and-a-half discussion was primarily focused on trade and had “resulted in a very positive conclusion for both countries.” “He invited me to China and I invited him here,” Trump told reporters during a meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in the Oval Office. “We both accepted, so I will be going there with the First Lady at some point, and he will hopefully be coming here with the First Lady of China.” The Chinese government’s readout of the conversation mentioned Xi’s invitation to Trump but omitted any reference to a reciprocal invitation to the White House. According to the state-run Xinhua news agency, Xi urged the U.S. to “withdraw the negative measures it has taken against China.”