Trump Discusses Trade, Fentanyl, and TikTok with Xi Jinping Ahead of Second Term

President-elect Donald Trump revealed on Friday that he had a “very good” phone call with Chinese Communist Party leader Xi Jinping, discussing key issues like trade, fentanyl, and the controversial social media platform TikTok. The call comes just days before Trump’s second-term inauguration, signaling a renewed focus on the U.S.-China relationship under his leadership.

Trump described the conversation on Truth Social, writing, “It is my expectation that we will solve many problems together, and starting immediately. 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!”

TikTok was a central topic during the call, coming just hours before the Supreme Court upheld Congress’s ban on the platform if ByteDance, its Chinese parent company, fails to divest. The ban is set to take effect this weekend unless ByteDance completes the sale.

Trump is reportedly considering issuing an executive order to delay the ban, giving ByteDance more time to divest. The president-elect has made it clear that safeguarding American user data and eliminating Chinese Communist Party influence are non-negotiable priorities.

Fentanyl trafficking remains a critical issue in U.S.-China relations, with Trump pledging to take stronger action to stop the deadly drug’s flow into America. The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) identified China as “the primary source of fentanyl and fentanyl-related substances trafficked” into the U.S.

Trump’s campaign promises include pressuring China to crack down on fentanyl production and distribution networks. The president-elect has linked this commitment to his trade policies, threatening higher tariffs on Chinese goods if the country fails to act.

Trade was another major point of discussion during Trump’s call with Xi. On the campaign trail, Trump proposed increasing tariffs on Chinese goods to 60%, a dramatic rise from the measures implemented during his first term. However, since his election win, Trump has indicated a willingness to soften his tariff plan, opting for a 10% increase if China demonstrates progress in curbing fentanyl trafficking.

In a historic gesture, China’s vice president, Han Zheng, will attend Trump’s inauguration after Xi declined the invitation. This marks the first time a high-ranking Chinese official has attended a U.S. presidential inauguration, underscoring the significance of U.S.-China relations under the new administration.

China’s Foreign Ministry responded to the call, stating, “We stand ready to work with the new U.S. government to enhance dialogue and communication… and find the right way for the two countries to get along with each other.”

Trump’s approach to China reflects a balance of toughness and pragmatism. By addressing key concerns like fentanyl, trade, and TikTok, the president-elect is signaling that his administration will pursue America’s interests while leaving the door open for constructive engagement with China.

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