Trump says U.S.–China call was productive after accusing Beijing of trade deal violations.

Trump and Xi Address Trade Dispute in Lengthy Call

President Donald Trump held a one-and-a-half-hour call with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday, focusing primarily on the status of the U.S.–China trade agreement finalized in May. Trump described the conversation as “very good” and emphasized that it ended on a “very positive conclusion for both countries.”

The call came just days after Trump accused China of violating the terms of the trade deal, which had outlined reciprocal tariff reductions. Under the agreement, the U.S. agreed to reduce its tariffs on Chinese imports from 145% to 30%, while China committed to lowering tariffs on U.S. goods from 125% to 10%.

Despite the recent friction, Trump stated that both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the deal and extended mutual invitations for state visits. Xi invited Trump and First Lady Melania Trump to visit China, while Trump invited Xi and his wife Peng Liyuan to the United States.

Trump Reaffirms Deal, Despite Recent Allegations

Just a week earlier, Trump posted on social media, saying that China had “totally violated” the agreement. Though he did not provide details, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer confirmed the administration’s position, citing China’s failure to remove non-tariff trade barriers as required under the deal.

“The United States did exactly what it was supposed to do,” Greer said. “The Chinese are slow-rolling their compliance, which is completely unacceptable.”

China responded by urging the U.S. to halt discriminatory restrictions and respect the terms agreed upon in high-level talks. A spokesperson for China’s embassy in Washington called on the U.S. to “immediately correct its erroneous actions.”

Despite this public exchange of criticism, Trump later expressed confidence in the revised understanding between the two sides. “We’ve straightened out any complexity,” he said during an Oval Office meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. “We’re in very good shape with China and the trade deal.”

Visa Policy Remains a Point of Contention

The conversation took place against a backdrop of heightened scrutiny over Chinese nationals in the U.S., particularly student visa holders. The Trump administration has recently announced plans to increase vetting and potentially revoke visas deemed to pose national security risks.

Still, Trump struck a more conciliatory tone on Thursday. “We want to have foreign students,” he said, “but we want them to be checked.”

As both nations navigate economic cooperation alongside strategic rivalry, the latest exchange signals a possible stabilization in trade talks, albeit under continued close observation from both capitals.