Chinese President Xi Jinping spoke with US President Donald Trump by phone on the evening of the 4th.
Xi Jinping pointed out that over the past year, both sides have maintained good communication, held a successful meeting in Busan, and steered the course for China-US relations, which has been welcomed by the peoples of both countries and by the international community.
He said: “I attach great importance to China-US relations. In the new year, I am willing to continue to guide the great ship of our relations together with you, navigating through wind and waves to move steadily forward, handling more major and positive matters. The US has its concerns, and China has its concerns. China always keeps its word and delivers on its promises. As long as both sides adhere to the principles of equality, respect, and mutual benefit, we can find ways to address each other’s concerns.”
He pointed out that this year, both China and the United States have significant agendas. China is beginning the 15th Five-Year Plan, and the United States will celebrate its 250th anniversary. The two countries will respectively host the APEC Economic Leaders' Informal Meeting and the G20 Leaders' Summit. Both sides should, in accordance with the consensus reached, strengthen dialogue and communication, properly manage differences, expand practical cooperation, do not hesitate to pursue small good deeds, avoid even small bad deeds, handle matters one by one, continuously build mutual trust, find a correct way to get along, and make 2026 a year in which both major countries—China and the US—advance towards mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation.”
Xi Jinping emphasized that the Taiwan issue is the most important issue in China-US relations. Taiwan is part of China's territory. China must defend its national sovereignty and territorial integrity and will never allow Taiwan to be separated. The US must handle arms sales to Taiwan with great prudence.
Trump stated that both the United States and China are great countries, and US-China relations are the most important bilateral relationship in the world. He has a great relationship with President Xi Jinping.
He said: “I have great respect for President Xi Jinping. Under my and President Xi’s leadership, China and the US have had good interactions in economic and trade fields. I am happy to see China succeed, and the US is willing to strengthen cooperation with China and promote new development in our bilateral relations. I value China’s concerns on the Taiwan issue and am willing to maintain communication with China and keep US-China relations stable and sound during my term.”