On the evening of February 4, 2026, President Xi Jinping spoke with U.S. President Donald J. Trump on the phone.

President Xi noted that over the past year, we have enjoyed sound communication, and had a successful meeting in Busan, charting the direction and course for China-U.S. relations. This has been welcomed by the people of both countries and the broader international community. I attach great importance to this relationship. In the new year, I hope to work with you to steer the giant ship of China-U.S. relations steadily forward through winds and storms, and accomplish more big things and good things. Just as the U.S. has its concerns, China for its part also has concerns. China always means what it says and matches its words with actions and results. If the two sides work in the same direction in the spirit of equality, respect and mutual benefit, we can surely find ways to address each other’s concerns. Both China and the U.S. have important items on our agenda this year. China will kick off its 15th Five-Year Plan, and the U.S. will celebrate the 250th anniversary of its independence. China will host the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting, and the U.S., the G20 Summit. The two sides should follow the common understandings we have reached, enhance dialogue and communication, manage differences properly, and expand practical cooperation. It is always right to do a good thing, however small, and always wrong to do a bad thing, however small. We should make progress step by step to build mutual trust, find the right way to get along, and make 2026 a year where our two major countries advance toward mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation.

President Xi emphasized that the Taiwan question is the most important issue in China-U.S. relations. Taiwan is China’s territory. China must safeguard its own sovereignty and territorial integrity, and will never allow Taiwan to be separated. The U.S. must handle the issue of arms sales to Taiwan with prudence.

President Trump said that both the U.S. and China are great countries, and the U.S.-China relationship is by far the most important in the world. I have a great relationship with President Xi, and a lot of respect for President Xi. Under our leadership, the U.S. and China are doing well in economy and trade. I want to see China succeed. The U.S. would like to work with China and make more progress in bilateral ties. I understand how China feels about the Taiwan question. I would like the two sides to continue talking to each other and keep the relationship in good shape during my presidency.