Trump "Invited by China, May Visit Within the Year"

China Also Expresses Willingness to Improve Relations

U.S. President Donald Trump suggested the possibility of visiting China within this year, stating that he had received an invitation from China. China also responded by expressing its willingness for mutual cooperation with the United States.

According to major foreign media including the AP on the 20th (local time), President Trump answered the press question "Will you visit China this year?" by saying, "It could be. I have received an invitation." This supports the earlier Wall Street Journal (WSJ) report that Trump could meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping within 100 days of his inauguration.

Reuters Yonhap News

Guo Zhaokun, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, also did not deny the press question regarding President Trump's mention of the "invitation" during the regular briefing on the 21st. He expressed willingness for cooperation, saying, "China is willing to communicate with the new U.S. administration based on the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and mutually beneficial cooperation, and to promote greater progress in China-U.S. relations from a new starting point."

On the same day, Guo commented on President Trump’s decision not to impose new "tariff bombs" on China, contrary to initial expectations, stating, "The United States hopes to jointly promote stable, healthy, and sustainable development of economic and trade relations with China."

When asked if this (Trump’s tariff suspension) is seen as a positive signal, Guo reiterated a general stance, saying, "Even though there are differences and frictions between China and the U.S., the common interests and cooperation space between the two countries are vast, and both sides can strengthen dialogue and negotiations on this."

However, China expressed concerns over President Trump’s signing of executive orders to withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement and the World Health Organization (WHO) shortly after his inauguration. Guo emphasized, "Climate change is a common challenge faced by all humanity; there is no country that can opt out or think only of itself," and added, "The role of the WHO should be strengthened, not weakened. China will, as always, support the WHO’s duties and deepen international public health cooperation."