Trump and China’s Xi Discuss Iran, Taiwan and Trade in Wide-Ranging Call Ahead of Beijing Visit

President Donald Trump said Wednesday that he and Chinese President Xi Jinping talked at length in a video call that touched on several critical geopolitical and economic issues — most notably the escalating situation in Iran, as Washington pushes for broader international pressure on Tehran.

The conversation covered geopolitics, trade tensions and regional security, according to U.S. statements on the call, which comes as Trump prepares for a state visit to China in April 2026. Both leaders described the exchange as “excellent” and “thorough,” signalling a rare moment of cooperation amid long-running competition between the world’s two largest powers.

Trump said the leaders discussed the situation in Iran, where the U.S. has been trying to isolate Tehran diplomatically and economically amid tensions over its nuclear program and regional activities. As part of that effort, the U.S. is seeking support — or at least neutrality — from China and other major powers.

The phone call took place against the backdrop of Trump’s earlier moves to impose a 25 percent tariff on imports to the U.S. from countries doing business with Iran a policy aimed at pressuring third-party states to reconsider economic ties with Tehran.

Trump stressed that his personal relationship with Xi remains strong and that maintaining stable U.S.–China ties was a priority, especially as both administrations navigate global challenges.

Alongside Iran, the leaders discussed a broad range of issues shaping U.S.–China relations:

• Trade and Commerce: Trump highlighted ongoing discussions about trade balances, agricultural exports and economic cooperation. Notably, recent reports indicated that Xi agreed to boost China’s U.S. soybean purchases, which would benefit American farmers and ease pressure in agricultural sectors.
• Taiwan: Beijing reiterated its firm position on Taiwan, with Chinese statements during the call stressing that Taiwan remains an inseparable part of China.
• Global Security: Trump and Xi also touched on other geopolitical crises, including the Russia-Ukraine war — although Beijing’s official readout focused more heavily on broader diplomatic cooperation than specific conflict solutions.

The call comes as Trump prepares for a planned trip to Beijing in April 2026, expected to be his most significant diplomatic engagement with Xi since returning to the U.S. presidency. Trump described the upcoming visit as an opportunity to deepen cooperation and reinforce personal rapport between the two leaders.