Key Takeaways
- US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping held a one-hour phone call to discuss COVID-19 and the Phase One trade deal.
- Both leaders agreed on the importance of working together to defeat the virus and fulfilling the trade deal terms.
- The call is seen as an attempt to ease rising tensions over pandemic origins and accusations.
US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping held a crucial phone conversation on Friday, focusing on joint efforts against the COVID-19 pandemic and the implementation of their Phase One trade agreement.
According to an official White House readout, the two leaders shared information on the pandemic’s status in their respective countries and the measures being taken to control it. “President Trump and President Xi agreed on the importance of working together to defeat the virus,” the statement noted.
Focus on the Trade Deal
The leaders also discussed the Phase One trade deal signed in January, which has faced strain due to the global economic disruption caused by the pandemic. The White House confirmed both presidents emphasised the importance of fulfilling the deal’s terms.
This call comes amid heightened tensions between Washington and Beijing. The US has accused China of covering up the initial outbreak and called for an investigation into the virus’s origins, allegations that China strongly denies, counter-accusing the US of politicising the health crisis.
China’s Stance via Xinhua
China’s state-run Xinhua news agency reported that President Xi expressed willingness to strengthen pandemic cooperation with the US and promote bilateral relations. Xi also stated China’s readiness to work with the US to implement the trade deal.
The conversation, which lasted about an hour, is viewed as a positive diplomatic step. It was the first discussion between the two leaders since March 27.
However, significant challenges remain. The US, which has the world’s highest number of cases and deaths, has also called for compensation from China over the pandemic—a demand Beijing has rejected. The global death toll has surpassed 300,000, causing severe economic damage worldwide.
While the call aimed to find common ground, experts question whether it will be enough to resolve the deep-seated disputes between the two superpowers, which were already strained before the pandemic due to trade and other geopolitical issues.
