Xi Jinping Signals Readiness to Collaborate with Trump to Enhance US-China Relations

Chinese President Xi Jinping has conveyed his readiness to collaborate with President-elect Donald Trump to improve the relationship between the United States and China, the world’s two largest economies. This statement came during Xi’s final meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden before Trump’s inauguration.

In their talks, Xi emphasized the importance of maintaining open channels of communication between the two nations, urging against any moves toward "decoupling" their economies. He stressed that despite their differences, both countries should work towards a peaceful, mutually beneficial relationship in the long term.

Despite Xi’s calls for cooperation, the U.S.-China relationship during Trump’s tenure was fraught with tensions. Trump’s "America First" approach led to a trade war, with both sides imposing tariffs on hundreds of billions of dollars in goods. Additionally, Trump took a hardline stance on issues such as China’s handling of Hong Kong, its actions in the South China Sea, and its treatment of Uighur Muslims in Xinjiang.

As the U.S. transitions to the Trump presidency, Xi’s comments reveal China’s willingness to keep lines of communication open and pursue stable relations, even amid political and economic turbulence. In this moment of global uncertainty, both sides appear poised to seek constructive engagement. Whether this willingness will translate into tangible diplomatic breakthroughs remains to be seen. However, Xi’s emphasis on cooperation and peaceful coexistence signals China’s recognition of the need for dialogue—and the potential benefits of a positive, if complicated, partnership with the U.S.