During a significant phone call on Thursday, Chinese President Xi Jinping appealed to President Trump using a maritime analogy to emphasize the importance of steering their nations' relationship on the right course amidst rising trade tension. The call aimed to mend a trade truce that had started to fray after weeks of escalating punitive measures.
Xi described their relationship as a large ship with both leaders at the helm, advising against allowing "others" to interfere and jeopardize the ongoing negotiations. Analysts suggest this outreach was partly a response to the increasing pressure the Trump administration has been placing on China, with fears that hardliners were gaining the upper hand and undermining the truce.
During the 90-minute discussion, Xi stressed the need for high-level communication to prevent further deterioration in U.S.-China relations. As both sides had just agreed previously to roll back some tariffs, the need for clarity and collaboration has become more pressing than ever.
Xi described their relationship as a large ship with both leaders at the helm, advising against allowing "others" to interfere and jeopardize the ongoing negotiations. Analysts suggest this outreach was partly a response to the increasing pressure the Trump administration has been placing on China, with fears that hardliners were gaining the upper hand and undermining the truce.
During the 90-minute discussion, Xi stressed the need for high-level communication to prevent further deterioration in U.S.-China relations. As both sides had just agreed previously to roll back some tariffs, the need for clarity and collaboration has become more pressing than ever.
