World

Trump and Chinese President Hold Cordial First Phone Call

 Donald J. Trump has called China a “currency manipulator,” threatened to impose stiff tariffs on Chinese imports and accused the country of inventing the idea of climate change to hurt American businesses.

But in his first telephone conversation with President Xi Jinping of China, Mr. Trump, now the president-elect, appeared to set aside those critiques expressed on the campaign trail, vowing that the two nations would have “one of the strongest relationships,” according to a statement released by Mr. Trump’s transition office, Reuters reported.

Mr. Xi, in turn, told Mr. Trump that “facts have shown that cooperation is the only correct choice” for the United States and China, according to Xinhua, the Chinese state news agency.

You've reached your daily free article limit.

Subscribe and support our veteran writing staff to continue reading.

Get Full Ad-Free Access For Just $0.50/Week

Enjoy unlimited digital access to our Military Culture, Defense, and Foreign Policy coverage content and support a veteran owned business. Already a subscriber?

 Donald J. Trump has called China a “currency manipulator,” threatened to impose stiff tariffs on Chinese imports and accused the country of inventing the idea of climate change to hurt American businesses.

But in his first telephone conversation with President Xi Jinping of China, Mr. Trump, now the president-elect, appeared to set aside those critiques expressed on the campaign trail, vowing that the two nations would have “one of the strongest relationships,” according to a statement released by Mr. Trump’s transition office, Reuters reported.

Mr. Xi, in turn, told Mr. Trump that “facts have shown that cooperation is the only correct choice” for the United States and China, according to Xinhua, the Chinese state news agency.

In the phone call, which took place on Monday Beijing time, the two men agreed to maintain close communications and to meet at an early date.

Despite the optimistic tone, analysts believe the relationship between Mr. Trump and Mr. Xi could grow tense if Mr. Trump follows through on his campaign promises, including a vow to impose a 45 percent tax on Chinese imports. Already, foreign policy experts in China appear to be nervous about the prospect of a trade war.

Read More- New York Times

Image courtesy of Reuters

About SOFREP News Team View All Posts

The SOFREP News Team is a collective of professional military journalists. Brandon Tyler Webb is the SOFREP News Team's Editor-in-Chief. Guy D. McCardle is the SOFREP News Team's Managing Editor. Brandon and Guy both manage the SOFREP News Team.

COMMENTS

You must become a subscriber or login to view or post comments on this article.

More from SOFREP

REAL EXPERTS.
REAL NEWS.

Join SOFREP for insider access and analysis.

TRY 14 DAYS FREE

Already a subscriber? Log In