U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Monday his intention to meet with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in April 2026, signaling a potential shift towards a more collaborative phase in U.S.-China relations. The announcement follows a phone call between the two leaders, which Trump described as productive, highlighting significant progress in their ongoing discussions regarding trade agreements.
In a post on social media, Trump relayed, “There has been significant progress on both sides in keeping our agreements current and accurate. Now we can set our sights on the big picture.” He confirmed that President Xi had extended an invitation for him to visit Beijing, which he accepted. In turn, Trump invited Xi to the United States later in the same year.
The backdrop of this announcement includes a turbulent trade relationship that has been marred by tariffs, embargoes, and public disputes. Since April 2023, when Trump initiated a trade war with China, the U.S. imposed tariffs of up to 30% on a variety of Chinese exports. In retaliation, China has maintained a 10% tariff on U.S. products.
Despite these tensions, there are emerging signs of a thaw. Notably, during an economic summit in South Korea on October 30, 2025, the U.S. and China reached a preliminary agreement to lower tariffs on fentanyl-based products to 10%, while also pausing Chinese export controls on rare earth materials for one year. These developments may indicate a willingness from both sides to collaborate more closely moving forward.
Trump has not yet traveled to China during his second term, making the upcoming meeting a significant opportunity for direct negotiations. As both nations navigate the complexities of trade and economic policy, the forthcoming interactions between Trump and Xi are poised to shape the future of U.S.-China relations.
This story is ongoing, and further updates will follow as new information becomes available.
