News analysis: Xi-Trump phone call offers a breakthrough, but challenges remain

Amid strained relations between the world's two largest economies, a Thursday phone call between Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump has drawn widespread attention. 

Experts have called the conversation a "breakthrough" moment for China-U.S. relations, with key topics such as trade, Taiwan region and student exchanges discussed. However, analysts agree that the true test lies ahead – what follows in terms of concrete actions.

"(That) the two leaders have the channel to talk is a great relief for China, the U.S. and the rest of world," said Victor Gao, chair professor at Soochow University and vice president of the Center for China and Globalization. Gao emphasized that in today's unstable global environment, the need for stability and certainty, particularly between China and the U.S., is paramount.

Denis Simon, distinguished fellow at the Institute for China-America Studies, also called the phone call a "breakthrough," noting that it builds upon the momentum from the economic and trade talks in Geneva last month, when both sides agreed on the need for structured dialogue.  

Simon pointed out that the call reportedly included talks on a mutual willingness to arrange a face-to-face summit, a step that could help both countries address the core issues blocking progress.  

Similarly, Singapore-based Li Mingjiang, associate professor at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, saw promise in the mutual invitations for official visits, interpreting it as an indication of the leaders' openness to deeper discussions on key issues.

Based on the Chinese side's readout of the phone call, Li believes the call produced tangible outcomes – particularly with both sides agreeing to continue discussions on trade and economic issues. That's a positive development, as it helps prevent a downward spiral of mutual accusations, he told Lianhe Zaobao.

Zhu Feng, professor and dean of the School of International Studies, Nanjing University, interpreted Trump's eagerness for dialogue as a sign of mounting domestic and economic pressure. While the phone call might temporarily stabilize the relationship, he warned that a phone call does not equal consensus.

The latest phone call between Xi and Trump signals substantial behind-the-scenes progress on trade, according to John Gong, professor of economics at the University of International Business and Economics. A call like this, according to China's customs, usually means something concrete has been achieved already, Gong told CGTN, adding that it likely builds on outcomes from earlier talks in Geneva.

Gong also pointed out that from China's side, concerns over U.S. technological sanctions were likely raised during the call. Beijing wants to see some of those restrictions lifted, and judging by the tone of China's statements, that's now on the table, he said.  

Professor Wang Yong, director of the Center for American Studies at Peking University, said that Xi sent a clear message during the call: dialogue and cooperation remain the only viable path. The Chinese president also emphasized the need to make full use of existing economic and trade consultation mechanisms – based on equality, mutual respect and win-win cooperation.

Wang stressed that China expects these channels to be expanded and normalized to reduce miscommunication and build trust. He noted that since Trump took office, institutionalized communication between the two nations has weakened – with trade tariffs often dominating the U.S. agenda.

Zhou Mi, a senior researcher fellow at the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation, added that the call "provided direction and laid the foundation" for the next round of economic talks. But he also warned that any U.S. actions that violate prior agreements would undermine trust.

Taiwan region was once again at the heart of the conversation. Professor Wang underscored that the Taiwan question remains China's core concern and represents the most volatile risk in the relationship with the United States.

If the U.S. continues to encourage separatist forces in Taiwan region, it could trigger a sharp confrontation, Wang warned. He called on Washington to handle the matter with extreme caution and strategic sensitivity.

Amid the U.S.'s ongoing visa revocation threats, Trump reportedly told Xi that Chinese students remain welcome in the U.S. – a statement viewed positively by many in China.

Gao stressed that student exchanges are foundational to long-term trust. "Students are building the future," he said. "They should never be treated as pawns in negotiations."

Simon concurred, urging the U.S. not to "manipulate the visa issue" for short-term gains. If young people can learn together, it will help shape a more constructive future for bilateral ties, he noted.

While the tone of the phone call was generally constructive, experts remain cautious. Li Haidong, a professor at China Foreign Affairs University, noted that China's position remains principled and pragmatic. But whether the U.S. adopts an equal and respectful stance will determine the future trajectory, Li said.

Talking to Ta Kung Pao, Wang concluded, "China has made its direction clear. Now it's up to the U.S. to respond sincerely and act responsibly."