Trump-Xi Call: One Call, Two Statements, Many Signals
The call indicated perhaps some big aviation deals may be coming soon for both China and the U.S.
Chinese President Xi Jinping held a phone call with US President Donald Trump on Wednesday, state media said, hours after a video conversation between Xi and Russian President Vladimir Putin. This is clearly the story of the day. My quick analysis of the call is as follow:
Timing of the call: The timing of the call is rare and interesting. It is not common for Xi to have two calls with Putin and Trump — respectively and one after the other within just few hours. Such plans indicate Xi wanted to maintain high degree of transparency and keep both sides, Putin and Trump, well informed so that they can avoid second‑guessing or miscalculation.
Different messaging: The Trump-Xi call produced two very different official statements. Trump posted his version on social media (see the screenshot below), highlighting discussions on the Russia–Ukraine war, the situation in Iran, and China’s plans to purchase oil and soybeans.
The Chinese side, through the official Xinhua News Agency, released a readout that made no mention of Ukraine, Russia, or Iran. Instead, it focused heavily on Taiwan, calling it the “most important issue” for China (and for Xi). Xinhua also stated that Trump would “attach importance to China's concerns regarding the Taiwan question and stand ready to maintain communication with China to keep U.S. - China relations sound and stable during my tenure”, which sounds like a more pro-China policy direction on the Taiwan issue.
Also on the issue of Taiwan, this time Xi apparently put more emphasis on U.S. arms sales to Taiwan amid market speculations that there is likely to be a new round of arms sales to Taiwan to be approved by Washington. Xi’s tone on Taiwan also increased as he stated clearly he “will never allow Taiwan to split off from China. The United States must handle the issue of arms sales to Taiwan with extreme prudence.”
Aviation in focus: In Trump’s account, he also referenced “airplane engine deliveries,” indicating that the United States may allow GE and other American companies to continue supplying key components (e.g. engines) for China’s domestically produced C919 aircraft. C919 is a strategically important project for Xi. Without U.S.-made engines and technologies for aviation, the C919 program would be at risk, an outcome Xi wants to avoid. This also hints at the possibility of broader aviation-related deals (e.g., Boeing wants to sell hundreds of planes to China) to be revealed during Trump’s upcoming trip to China in April.
Same friendly tone: Both versions by Trump and the Chinese side maintained a friendly tone regarding Trump–Xi relations. Trump also reaffirmed his plan to visit Beijing in April, which helps reduce speculation about whether the trip would still proceed, especially after several recent high‑level visits to China, including that of the British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Celebrating America’s 250th birthday: In the Chinese version, Xi recognised the importance of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States this year and he also mentioned APEC, for which China is the host country this year, and the G20, concluding that 2026 will be “a year when the two major countries of China and the United States make strides towards mutual respect, peaceful co - existence and win - win cooperation.” Overall, the tone from the Chinese side toward Trump and the U.S. government remains notably friendly, suggesting both countries are still working to stabilise and improve their relationship rather than shift its direction.
This is a developing story. I may update this piece or share more thoughts later when we have more relevant information available.
Related articles:
The official Xinhua report on Xi-Trump call (in Chinese only): http://politics.people.com.cn/BIG5/n1/2026/0204/c1024-40659623.html
The Xinhua report on Xi-Putin call: https://english.news.cn/20260204/ac95c216d7d349a3961b589c13d6e8d6/c.html