In a move that shocked many, President-elect Donald Trump had a crucial call with Chinese leader Xi Jinping just hours before the Supreme Court made its decision on TikTok.
Trump’s positive tone toward China
The conversation focused on several hot topics: trade, fentanyl, and the future of TikTok. Trump, preparing for his government role while President Joe Biden wrapped up his farewell speeches, took to his Truth Social platform to confirm the call.
He tweeted, “The call was a very good one for both China and the U.S.A. We discussed balancing Trade, Fentanyl, TikTok, and many other subjects. President Xi and I will do everything possible to make the world more peaceful and safe!”
Trump’s tone was notably more positive than his earlier campaign rhetoric. During his election run, he had threatened to increase tariffs on Chinese imports by up to 60% if China didn’t curb the flow of illegal drugs into the U.S. But now, his words seemed to indicate a more collaborative approach. “We both attach great importance to interaction, hope for a good start of the China-U.S. relationship during the new U.S. presidency,” Xi told Trump during the call.
TikTok and the Supreme Court’s decision
Despite past threats, Trump remains committed to his promise of imposing sanctions on Beijing. However, the tone of his call suggested that he was ready to forge a more constructive relationship with China moving forward.
The TikTok issue was also a key part of the conversation. Trump has had a complicated relationship with the video-sharing app. He had previously promised to ban TikTok, citing national security concerns over its Chinese ownership. But now, things seem to have changed. Trump credits the app with helping him win the election and even supported its continued availability in the U.S. He submitted a filing supporting TikTok’s case as the Supreme Court weighed in on the matter.
On Friday morning, the court ruled to uphold a ban on the app, siding with the majority of U.S. Congress and the Department of Justice, who argued that TikTok posed a national security threat.
“The Supreme Court decision was expected, and everyone must respect it,” Trump posted after the ruling. “My decision on TikTok will be made in the not too distant future, but I must have time to review the situation. Stay tuned!”
Trump breaks protocol: Xi invited to inauguration
In another break from protocol, Trump invited Xi Jinping to attend his inauguration on Monday. Traditionally, foreign governments send ambassadors and diplomats, but Trump extended a direct invitation to the Chinese president. Just before the call, the Chinese foreign ministry announced that Vice President Han Zheng would attend Trump’s swearing-in ceremony instead.
Looking ahead: a new chapter in U.S.-China relations?
With tensions still high between the U.S. and China, Trump’s ability to balance his promises of sanctions with a more diplomatic approach remains to be seen. For now, both sides appear to be cautiously optimistic about the future of their relationship.
Stay tuned for more updates as Trump continues to navigate these complex issues on the world stage.
