On July 22, during a meeting at the White House with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., US President Donald Trump said he would likely visit China in the near future.
"Chairman Xi Jinping invited me to China and I may make that trip in the near future," Trump said. He also said that he is considering invitations from many parties and will soon make a decision.
Accordingly, Washington and Beijing are discussing the possibility of Mr. Trump visiting China later this year. Options considered include an APEC summit in South Korea from 30 October to 1 November, or a stop in Beijing on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II on September 3, where Russian President Vladimir Putin is also expected to attend.
If it happens, this will be the first direct meeting between Mr. Trump and Mr. Xi Jinping or Mr. Putin since Mr. Trump began his second term on January 20, 2025. Both the White House and the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs declined to comment on the above information.
Mr. Trump affirmed that his personal relationship with Mr. Tap Can Binh is in good shape. Despite launching a tariff confrontation with China during his term, leading to disruption of the global supply chain, the US President is seeking to reduce tensions.
However, Mr. Trump has maintained a strong tax policy: Imports from China are subject to the highest tax rate of 55% and he called for a basic tax of 10% for all imported goods, including from allies like the Philippines.
