Xi Jinping Urges Trump to Manage Critics Threatening the Fragile Trade Truce

During a recent phone conversation with President Donald Trump, Xi Jinping employed a maritime metaphor to defend the fragile trade truce that appeared to be unraveling due to increasingly stringent economic measures.

The Chinese leader likened the relationship between the United States and China to a large ship, with the two leaders as powerful captains steering firmly to maintain the correct course. This analogy came with a cautionary message.

"Do not allow others to steer the ship off course or jeopardize the relationship," Xi warned.

For weeks, the White House had openly pushed for a direct dialogue between the two leaders, a point China highlighted by noting that Xi agreed to Thursday’s call at Trump’s request. As the U.S. escalated pressure on Beijing through technological and other restrictions, analysts suggest China’s acceptance was partly driven by concerns that hardline critics within the Trump administration might undermine the fragile truce.

In a government statement following the 90-minute call, Xi emphasized that both leaders should "avoid various disturbances or even sabotage".

Wu Xinbo, dean of the Institute of International Studies at Shanghai’s Fudan University, commented, "China is deeply concerned about this issue. Communication between leaders is essential to halt the rapid deterioration of China-U.S. relations."