*As both leaders seek to maintain continuity in their relations, the impact of internal pressures on diplomacy is becoming increasingly significant.*
**Trump and Xi: Navigating Turbulent Waters in U.S.-China Relations**
**Trump and Xi: Navigating Turbulent Waters in U.S.-China Relations**
*In a recent call, China's Xi Jinping urged President Trump to stabilize the fraying trade truce amidst rising tensions.*
In a noteworthy development in U.S.-China relations, President Xi Jinping engaged in a phone call with President Donald Trump on Thursday, aiming to reaffirm the importance of maintaining their fragile trade truce amidst external pressures. Utilizing a maritime metaphor, Xi likened the complex bilateral relationship to a large ship, cautioning both leaders not to let external forces deviate the course of their diplomacy.
This communication comes at a critical time. Following a series of escalatory economic measures, pressures from within Trump’s administration, reportedly fueled by “China hawks,” have likely contributed to the feeling in Beijing that a stable dialogue is essential to avert an outright crisis. The discussion lasted approximately 90 minutes, during which Xi stressed the necessity for both sides to avoid disturbances that could lead to sabotage of relations. Analysts, such as Wu Xinbo from Fudan University, echoed Xi’s sentiments, emphasizing that direct communication is vital in halting the rapid deterioration of ties.
Additionally, this call took place less than one month after a temporary agreement to roll back tariffs for a 90-day negotiation period. The recent spike in tensions, however, indicated that the truce was at risk, prompting China to accept the conversation with Trump to help steer the relationship back on course. Xi’s remarks reveal China’s deep-seated concerns about internal opposition to cooperation efforts, marking a significant moment in the ongoing saga of U.S.-China relations.
This communication comes at a critical time. Following a series of escalatory economic measures, pressures from within Trump’s administration, reportedly fueled by “China hawks,” have likely contributed to the feeling in Beijing that a stable dialogue is essential to avert an outright crisis. The discussion lasted approximately 90 minutes, during which Xi stressed the necessity for both sides to avoid disturbances that could lead to sabotage of relations. Analysts, such as Wu Xinbo from Fudan University, echoed Xi’s sentiments, emphasizing that direct communication is vital in halting the rapid deterioration of ties.
Additionally, this call took place less than one month after a temporary agreement to roll back tariffs for a 90-day negotiation period. The recent spike in tensions, however, indicated that the truce was at risk, prompting China to accept the conversation with Trump to help steer the relationship back on course. Xi’s remarks reveal China’s deep-seated concerns about internal opposition to cooperation efforts, marking a significant moment in the ongoing saga of U.S.-China relations.
