President-elect Donald Trump intends to visit China after taking office to bolster ties with Beijing, while also considering a visit to India, a report published by The Wall Street Journal maintained.
The proposed diplomatic engagements aim to address key issues and strengthen international relations under Trump’s leadership.
Trump, who landed at Dulles International Airport accompanied by First Lady Melania and son Barron, had previously criticised China during his campaign, threatening to impose higher tariffs on Chinese imports.
“President-elect Donald Trump has told advisors he wants to travel to China after he takes office, according to people familiar with the discussions, seeking to deepen a relationship with Xi Jinping strained by the president-elect’s threat to impose steeper tariffs on Chinese imports,” the report noted.
Additionally, Trump has expressed interest in visiting India. Sources indicated that preliminary discussions were initiated during External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar’s visit to Washington DC last December.
India is set to host the QUAD Summit, comprising leaders from Australia, Japan, and the United States, which could coincide with Trump’s potential visit in April or later in the year.
There is also speculation that Prime Minister Narendra Modi might be invited to the White House in the spring.
The Chinese President, Xi Jinping, deputed Vice-President Han Zheng to represent China at Trump’s swearing-in ceremony, marking a significant gesture as senior Chinese officials traditionally abstain from attending such events.
External Affairs Minister Jaishankar will represent India at the inaugural.
On Friday, Trump and Xi engaged in a phone conversation, described as “very good” by Trump. “I just spoke to Chairman Xi Jinping of China,” Trump announced on Truth Social. “It is my expectation that we will solve many problems together, and starting immediately.”
The discussion covered topics including trade, the fentanyl crisis, and TikTok, with Trump affirming that both nations would work towards a more peaceful and secure world.
According to The Wall Street Journal, a meeting in Beijing would come at a tense time for US-China relations. Besides the tariff issue, Trump has urged Beijing to curb Chinese chemical producers supplying fentanyl ingredients to Mexican cartels.
Follow us
