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Former President Donald Trump has confirmed that he agreed to visit Beijing in spring and asked Chinese President Xi Jinping for a official visit in the coming year, following a discussion between the two heads of state.

Trump and Xi—who met nearly a month ago in South Korea—discussed a variety of topics including commerce, the situation in Ukraine, fentanyl, and the island of Taiwan, as stated by the president and Beijing's diplomatic corps.

"Bilateral relations is highly solid!" Trump stated in a social media update.

Official Chinese media published a announcement that noted both countries should "maintain progress, progress in the correct path on the foundation of equality, esteem and shared interests".

Previous Meeting and Economic Agreements

The leaders met in Busan in last October, following which they reached a ceasefire on trade taxes. The United States opted to reduce a 20% tariff in half intended to decrease the movement of opioids.

Trade taxes remain on products from China and average just below 50%.

"From that point, the China-US relationship has largely sustained a consistent and favorable course, and this is appreciated by the two countries and the broader international community," the Chinese statement said.

• The United States then retracted a threat of double tariffs on Chinese goods, while China postponed its plan to implement its latest round of limits on mineral exports.

Focus on Trade

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said that the phone discussion with Xi—which went on for an hour—was mainly about trade.

"We are satisfied with what we've observed from the Beijing, and they agree," she remarked.

Broader Topics

Besides addressing commerce, Xi and Trump raised the subjects of Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the island.

Xi told Trump that the island's "reunification with China" is critical for Beijing's perspective for the "global system after conflicts".

Beijing has been engaged in a foreign policy clash with the Japanese government, a US ally, over the long-term "uncertain policy" on the authority of Taiwan.

Earlier this month, Tokyo's head Sanae Takaichi said that an eventual Chinese attack on Taiwan could lead to a response from Japan's forces.

Trump, though, did not refer to the island in his Truth Social post about the discussion.

America's envoy to Tokyo, George Glass, noted before that the United States backs the Japanese in the wake of Beijing's "coercion".