Trump Plans to Visit China and Discusses Potential Trip to India
President-elect Donald Trump is reportedly considering a visit to China after taking office, aiming to strengthen relations with Beijing. Additionally, Trump has spoken to his advisors about the possibility of a trip to India.
According to sources familiar with the discussions, The Wall Street Journal cited that Trump wants to travel to China to improve ties with President Xi Jinping. This comes despite Trump's earlier election campaign threats to impose higher tariffs on Chinese imports, which have strained U.S.-China relations.
This desire to visit China is part of a broader effort to manage relations with Beijing, complicated by trade tensions and other issues. The report also pointed out that Trump has been conducting preliminary discussions with advisors regarding a visit to India, with the possibility of it taking place as early as April or even later in the fall of 2025. It is said that External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar's visit to Washington DC around Christmas last month began the conversations for a potential visit.
India is getting ready to host the upcoming QUAD Summit, which comprises leaders from Australia, Japan, and the United States. It is speculated that Trump may invite Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a meeting at the White House in the spring of 2025, further signaling the deepening ties between the two nations.
On the diplomatic front, Trump had a conversation with Chinese President Xi Jinping the previous day, an important exchange between the two leaders. Xi has appointed Vice-President Han Zheng to attend Trump's inauguration, which is the first time a senior Chinese official will be present at a U.S. presidential inauguration. External Affairs Minister Jaishankar is likely to represent India at the event.
He had referred to his telephone call with Xi as 'very good' post-conversation while remaining optimistic on solving issues between the two countries. "Just spoke to Chairman Xi Jinping of China", he posted on Truth Social. "Expecting a great relationship. I expect to solve many problems together, and immediately".
The discussion between Trump and Xi covered various topics, including trade, fentanyl, and the Chinese app TikTok. Trump also stressed his hope to work together with Xi to promote global peace and safety.
It would come at a time of heightened tensions between the U.S. and China, as Trump is already advocating for new tariffs and is urging China to take action against chemical producers that supply fentanyl to Mexican cartels.
