Xi Jinping strikes positive tone in call with US president

No, you hang up first!

On February 4, Xi Jinping held a phone call with US President Donald Trump.

Some context: US-China ties have been relatively stable since the pair's wide-ranging Busan meeting, which produced a major de-escalation in trade tensions.

• The truce has proved remarkably durable, even surviving a record-breaking US arms sale to Taiwan and the massive military drills China launched in response.

Xi hailed recent progress (MoFA):

• “We have enjoyed sound communication, and had a successful meeting in Busan.”
• “In the new year, I hope to work with you to steer the giant ship of China-U.S. relations steadily forward…and accomplish more big things.”

He also offered a (gentle) warning on Taiwan:

• “The Taiwan question is the most important issue in China-U.S. relations.”
• “The U.S. must handle…arms sales to Taiwan with prudence.”

Trump was thrilled with the call, hinting at possible deals involving soybeans, oil, gas, and airplane engines, and concluding that (Truth Social):

• “The relationship with China…is an extremely good one, and we both realize how important it is to keep it that way”

We’ll say it again: At this rate, the US-China trade truce is well-positioned to last its entire initial one-year duration.

Our question: Can the two sides capitalize on Trump’s planned April visit to China to craft an even more durable and long-lasting modus vivendi?