Donald Trump, the then president-elect, has privately conveyed to his advisers a strong interest in visiting China following his swearing-in ceremony. According to three sources acquainted with these discussions, this initiative aims to foster a transparent and direct dialogue with Beijing while simultaneously adhering to a hardline policy toward the country. Trump’s approach underscores his willingness to engage with international leaders despite his campaign rhetoric that frequently criticized China for various economic malpractices, including currency manipulation and unfair trade practices.
In addition to China, Trump has expressed desire for international visits to several other nations, including India. He intends to meet with India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, with whom Trump has maintained a cordial and warm relationship, notable throughout his campaign and subsequent presidency. The aspirations to strengthen international relationships highlight a strategic shift towards diplomacy, aiming to balance assertive measures with collaborative engagements.
The Wall Street Journal was the first to report on Trump’s ambition to travel to China, indicating that the visit would symbolize an important effort in his foreign policy agenda. On a recent phone call with Chinese President Xi Jinping, the president-elect discussed a variety of topics, including trade relations, the opioid crisis linked to fentanyl, and the popular social media platform TikTok. This call illustrates Trump’s multifaceted approach to his relationship with China and is indicative of the issues he considers vital to address upon assuming office. He extended an invitation to Xi to attend his inauguration, signifying an intention to begin his presidency with a prominent gesture towards China. However, China has opted to send Vice President Han Zheng instead, responding to Trump’s overtures with a note of diplomacy themselves.
Trump has consistently argued during his campaign that direct communication with foreign adversaries is crucial for effective diplomacy. He frequently boasted about his personal connections with key global figures such as Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin, showcasing an assertive stance aimed at shifting the norms of international relations. An adviser to Trump, Jason Miller, articulated this perspective, underscoring the belief that genuine dialogue with leaders, particularly of rival nations like China, is essential for shaping productive outcomes. He suggested that Trump’s willingness to engage directly could lead to tougher negotiations, signaling a blend of respect and firmness in international dealings.
The president-elect sees his relationship with Xi as pivotal for the broader Sino-American relationship. An external adviser elaborated on this notion, citing Trump’s past efforts to build rapport with Xi during his initial term, which included an extraordinary invitation to Mar-a-Lago where the two leaders bonded over chocolate cake. Such instances, like the visit to Beijing in 2017, are crafted to deepen their personal ties and establish a foundation for cooperative discussions in the future.
Those previous visits were marked by significant ceremonial events, including joint tours of the iconic Forbidden City and discussions in the Great Hall of the People. Lasting impressions from these interactions suggest that Trump interpreted gestures of hospitality from Xi as reflections of mutual respect. Today, he appears keen to revive and enhance that relationship, demonstrating a philosophical pivot towards engaging rather than isolating major international players.
In light of the evolving global landscape, Xi Jinping has reciprocated with a more open approach toward Trump, having congratulated him on his electoral victory and expressing hope that the United States and China can find appropriate ways to coexist amicably, benefitting both nations as well as the wider international community. This diplomatic opening could serve as a prelude to a series of discussions aimed at addressing pressing global issues while navigating the complex dynamics of the US-China relationship moving forward.
