A recent call between President Trump and President Xi Jinping promises potential breakthroughs on key issues, yet questions linger about their true intentions.

Story Highlights

• President Trump and President Xi discussed trade, fentanyl, and TikTok.
• The call sets the stage for a meeting at the APEC Summit in South Korea.
• Plans for state visits by both leaders signal a possible thaw in relations.
• Details on the TikTok deal and other agreements remain unresolved.

Progress on Trade and Technology

On September 19, 2025, President Trump and President Xi Jinping engaged in a phone call to address several pressing issues, including trade tensions and technology disputes. The conversation was described as “very productive,” with both leaders making strides toward resolving ongoing trade disputes and discussing the future of TikTok in the US market. While tangible outcomes were not finalized, the dialogue marks a renewed effort to stabilize US-China relations.

Trade and technology have been longstanding points of contention between the US and China. Trump’s administration has been vocal about the need for fair trade practices and has implemented measures against Chinese tech firms like TikTok. During the call, both leaders acknowledged the importance of continued negotiations to reach a mutual understanding, with the APEC Summit offering an opportunity for further discussions.

Addressing the Fentanyl Crisis

Another critical topic during the call was the fentanyl crisis. President Trump emphasized the need for China to crack down on the export of fentanyl precursors, which have contributed to the opioid epidemic in the United States. The call did not yield a definitive agreement, but both countries expressed willingness to collaborate on tackling this public health challenge. The issue remains a priority, with hopes that future meetings will solidify concrete actions.

The fentanyl crisis has devastating effects on American communities, prompting Trump’s administration to seek international cooperation in combating the problem. The call with Xi represents a step towards addressing these concerns, though the lack of immediate resolutions highlights the complexity of the issue.

Future Diplomatic Engagements

The call concluded with plans for President Trump and President Xi to meet at the APEC Summit in South Korea later this year. Additionally, reciprocal state visits are scheduled, with Trump set to visit China in early 2026 and Xi planning a visit to the US. These planned engagements suggest a potential thaw in relations, yet the true impact will depend on the outcomes of these high-level discussions.

While the call has been characterized as constructive, the lack of specificity on agreements, particularly regarding TikTok and trade, leaves room for skepticism. As both leaders prepare for upcoming meetings, the world watches to see if these diplomatic efforts will translate into meaningful policy changes.

Watch the report: Trump-Xi Discuss Trade, Fentanyl, TikTok Deal; Plan APEC Summit Meetings | NewsX

Sources:

Trump to Meet Xi at APEC, Says China ‘Approved’ TikTok Deal
Updates: Trump says Xi call ‘productive’, leaders to meet in November
Trump and Xi make progress on TikTok deal, plan to meet in South Korea | Reuters