Xi Jinping to visit US ‘soon,’ Trump hints amid tariff disputes

President Donald Trump announced on Monday that Chinese President Xi Jinping would visit the United States in the near future, as trade disputes between the two economic giants intensify, AFP reported.

Speaking at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, Trump stated, "He’ll be coming in the not-too-distant future," without providing further details.

Reports from The Wall Street Journal suggest that Washington and Beijing have started discussions about a potential summit in June, coinciding with both leaders’ birthdays.

Since his return to office in January, Trump has imposed tariffs on major trade partners, including China, Canada, and Mexico, citing trade imbalances and the failure to curb fentanyl trafficking. 

Earlier this month, he raised tariffs on Chinese goods from 10% to 20%, prompting Beijing to retaliate with levies of up to 15% on US agricultural exports, such as soybeans, pork, and chicken.

Additionally, China—being the world's leading steel producer—has pledged to take "all necessary measures" in response to separate US tariffs on steel and aluminum.

Last week, Beijing urged dialogue with Washington to ease tensions.

Xi’s most recent visit to the US was in November 2023, when he met with Trump’s Democratic predecessor, Joe Biden, in California. 

The meeting aimed to de-escalate growing tensions between the two nations. 

With new trade disputes unfolding, Xi’s anticipated visit could play a crucial role in reshaping US-China relations.