President Trump reveals his conversation with Chinese President Xi Jinping regarding Iran's recent unrest and the broader U.S.-China relationship. The discussion comes as the U.S. administration intensifies efforts to isolate Tehran further. Trump emphasizes the positive nature of his relationship with Xi, highlighting the importance of maintaining this bond. The Chinese government's summary of the call, however, omits any mention of Trump's planned visit to Beijing in April. The conversation delves into various critical issues, including trade, Taiwan, and Iran's nuclear program. Trump's administration has been pushing Iran to make concessions, and the U.S. has imposed a 25% tax on imports from countries doing business with Iran, with China being Iran's largest trading partner. The U.S. and China also address the upcoming summits that both nations will host, which could provide opportunities for further meetings. Additionally, the call coincides with a meeting in Washington to discuss rebuilding global supply chains for critical minerals without China's involvement. This meeting aims to enhance self-reliance in the critical minerals sector, which are essential for various industries. The Trump administration's recent arms sales to Taiwan and China's stance on Taiwan's independence have further strained relations. The Chinese government reiterates its position that Taiwan will never be allowed to separate from China and calls for the U.S. to handle arms sales to Taiwan with caution. The conversation also touches on the expiration of the New START treaty between Russia and the U.S., with Trump expressing his desire to keep limits on nuclear weapons and involve China in any potential new treaty.
