US President Donald Trump has stated that he is not currently planning a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, but remains open to visiting China if formally invited.
Posting on Truth Social, Trump wrote, “The Fake News is reporting that I am SEEKING a “Summit” with President Xi of China. This is not correct, I am not SEEKING anything! I may go to China, but it would only be at the invitation of President Xi, which has been extended. Otherwise, no interest! Thank you for your attention to this matter.”
This follows a similar remark he made last month, where he spoke about receiving an invitation. “President Xi graciously invited the First Lady and me to visit China, and I reciprocated.”
According to a Reuters report, US and Chinese officials have already held early discussions about a possible meeting between the two leaders. One proposed timeframe is during Trump’s upcoming visit to Asia later this year.
Trump and Xi last met in person in 2019 at the G20 summit in Osaka, Japan.
Currently, the US and China are engaged in talks aimed at easing trade tensions, which have increased in recent years due to Trump’s shifting stance on tariffs on Chinese exports.
Possible plans include a visit to China around the time of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, which will take place in South Korea from October 30 to November 1.
Another option is 3 September, when China will host a ceremony marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II , an event Russian President Vladimir Putin is also expected to attend.
