Xi Jinping Urges Trump to Curb Hardliners Threatening U.S.-China Trade Truce

In a recent telephone conversation with President Trump, Xi Jinping employed a maritime metaphor to underscore the importance of preserving the delicate trade ceasefire between the United States and China, which has been threatened by escalating economic sanctions.

Xi likened the U.S.-China relationship to a massive vessel, with both leaders acting as captains who must firmly grasp the helm to keep the ship on its intended path. He cautioned against allowing external influences to divert this course and endanger bilateral ties.

For several weeks, Washington appeared eager to facilitate a direct dialogue between the two heads of state—a development reflected in China’s confirmation that Xi consented to the call at Trump’s request. Analysts suggest Beijing’s willingness to engage may stem from concerns over hardline factions within the U.S. administration intensifying pressure and threatening the fragile agreement.

According to the Chinese government’s summary, Xi stressed during the 90-minute discussion the necessity for both sides to "avoid disturbances or deliberate sabotage."

Wu Xinbo, dean of the Institute of International Studies at Shanghai’s Fudan University, noted, "China is deeply worried about the current situation. Leadership-level communication is essential to halt the rapid deterioration of U.S.-China relations."

The call came at a critical juncture, less than a month after both nations agreed to suspend punitive tariffs for 90 days and pursue a negotiated trade settlement. Since then, the truce has appeared increasingly fragile as tensions mount.