Xinhua News Agency, Beijing, September 21 (Reporters Li Zhongfa, Wang Youling) On the evening of September 20, Chinese President Xi Jinping held a phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump at the latter’s request. The two leaders exchanged in-depth views on trade cooperation, the TikTok issue, and global matters. Xi emphasized that, as the world’s two largest economies, China and the U.S. should manage differences constructively to ensure stable bilateral relations. Trump stated that the call made “significant progress” on trade, fentanyl control, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and the TikTok deal, revealing plans for their first face-to-face meeting at the Asia-Pacific Summit in South Korea next month.
This call, the third direct exchange between Xi and Trump during Trump’s second term, drew global attention. Analysts note that amidst complex international dynamics, the resumption and deepening of China-US high-level communication could ease the impact of trade frictions on global supply chains and signal stability for the Asia-Pacific region.
Background: New Opportunities Amid Trade Tensions
Trade relations have long been central to China-US dialogues. Since the trade war began in 2018, bilateral trade volume dipped, but China’s export shift to emerging markets like Southeast Asia, Africa, and Europe has proven effective. According to the General Administration of Customs, China’s exports to Belt and Road countries grew over 15% in the first eight months of 2025, with a trade surplus expected to exceed $1 trillion. Prior to the call, the U.S. hinted at using the TikTok issue as a “breakthrough” to seek Chinese concessions on tariffs and technology exports.
Commerce Ministry spokesperson He Yongqiang stated on September 21 that China’s position remains clear: it respects companies’ independent decisions and welcomes ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, reaching a mutually beneficial deal with the U.S. under Chinese laws and market rules. He stressed that “TikTok’s future should not be politicized but resolved through commercial negotiations.” Insiders revealed ByteDance is considering spinning off TikTok’s U.S. operations into an independent entity to address national security concerns.
Trump, post-call, posted on social media: “We discussed the urgency of ending the Russia-Ukraine war and strengthening fentanyl crackdowns. China pledged tighter export controls, which will save countless American lives.” The dialogue also touched on the Taiwan issue, with the U.S. reaffirming its “One China” policy and China stressing that peaceful reunification is non-negotiable.
TikTok in Focus: Symbolic Concessions and Strategic Maneuvering
TikTok, a global short-video platform leader with 170 million active U.S. users, has faced recurring ban threats over data security concerns. Trump, during his second term, has praised TikTok for “helping me win young voters,” viewing it as political capital. For China, TikTok is not just ByteDance’s flagship product but a symbol of its “go global” strategy. Experts suggest Beijing may use flexibility on TikTok to secure U.S. concessions on electric vehicle tariffs and high-tech export restrictions.
“For China, TikTok’s fate is less critical than tariffs and tech controls,” the New York Times Chinese edition quoted analysts. Recent trade talks in Madrid, Spain, reportedly led to a preliminary TikTok “framework agreement,” including localized data storage and third-party audits. The Commerce Ministry indicated that if the U.S. lifts unilateral sanctions, China is willing to expand imports of soybeans, energy, and other goods.
Global Impact: From Bilateral to Multilateral Gains
During the call, Xi stressed that China and the U.S. should jointly address climate change, global health, and other challenges, promoting the role of emerging mechanisms like BRICS. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on September 21 that the dialogue reflected a “mutually beneficial” spirit, stabilizing global market expectations.
Meanwhile, China’s domestic economy continues to thrive. The 2025 World Manufacturing Convention opened in Hefei, Anhui, showcasing “Made in China” innovations. The third National Skills Competition also kicked off in Zhengzhou, Henan, drawing thousands of contestants vying for the “Chinese Craftsman” title. These events highlight China’s commitment to high-quality development.
Looking Ahead: Open Doors for Dialogue
While specific agreements from the call remain undisclosed, it has undeniably warmed China-US relations. Observers believe next month’s South Korea summit could be pivotal, with potential progress on TikTok and tariffs benefiting global economic recovery. Xi concluded the call by stating, “China-US cooperation is the trend; confrontation leads nowhere.”
As the world’s two largest economies, the trajectory of China-US relations impacts global dynamics. The anticipated in-person meeting between the leaders could mark a new chapter in building a constructive great-power relationship.
(This report synthesizes information from Xinhua, CCTV News, BBC Chinese, New York Times Chinese edition, and other sources.)