The article details a recent phone call where Chinese President Xi Jinping sought to maintain a fragile truce with U.S. President Trump amidst escalating tensions between Washington and Beijing.
In a pivotal phone call that took place on June 6, 2025, Chinese President Xi Jinping used a maritime analogy to address the increasingly strained relationship with U.S. President Donald Trump. During the 90-minute discussion, Xi depicted the U.S.-China relationship as a large ship, urging both leaders, as powerful captains, to firmly hold the rudder and maintain their course. This metaphor, however, came with a stern warning aimed at curtailing any external influences that might steer the relationship off track.
The context of the call was one of rising frustrations, as Washington had been ramping up economic pressures on Beijing through technology and various restrictions. Analysts suggest that China's willingness to engage in this dialogue stemmed from growing concerns that hardline elements within Trump's administration were in the process of derailing the fragile trade truce. The two leaders had previously agreed to roll back punitive tariffs for 90 days and were in negotiations for a more comprehensive trade agreement.
During the conversation, Xi emphasized the necessity for leadership-level communication to stave off any potential disturbances that could exacerbate tensions. “We must steer clear of various disturbances or even sabotage,” he urged, reflecting the precarious state of their negotiations.
Experts, such as Wu Xinbo from Fudan University in Shanghai, noted the urgency of the call, specifying that increased dialogue was essential to halt the downward trend in relations. As both leaders navigated through complex political waters, they appeared to understand the critical need for cooperation and clear communication in order to salvage a relationship vital not only to both countries but to the global economy at large.
In a pivotal phone call that took place on June 6, 2025, Chinese President Xi Jinping used a maritime analogy to address the increasingly strained relationship with U.S. President Donald Trump. During the 90-minute discussion, Xi depicted the U.S.-China relationship as a large ship, urging both leaders, as powerful captains, to firmly hold the rudder and maintain their course. This metaphor, however, came with a stern warning aimed at curtailing any external influences that might steer the relationship off track.
The context of the call was one of rising frustrations, as Washington had been ramping up economic pressures on Beijing through technology and various restrictions. Analysts suggest that China's willingness to engage in this dialogue stemmed from growing concerns that hardline elements within Trump's administration were in the process of derailing the fragile trade truce. The two leaders had previously agreed to roll back punitive tariffs for 90 days and were in negotiations for a more comprehensive trade agreement.
During the conversation, Xi emphasized the necessity for leadership-level communication to stave off any potential disturbances that could exacerbate tensions. “We must steer clear of various disturbances or even sabotage,” he urged, reflecting the precarious state of their negotiations.
Experts, such as Wu Xinbo from Fudan University in Shanghai, noted the urgency of the call, specifying that increased dialogue was essential to halt the downward trend in relations. As both leaders navigated through complex political waters, they appeared to understand the critical need for cooperation and clear communication in order to salvage a relationship vital not only to both countries but to the global economy at large.
