Beijing: U.S. President Donald Trump stated on Friday that he engaged in discussions about North Korea with Chinese President Xi Jinping during their summit in Beijing this week. Trump expressed his intention to reengage with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Trump made these remarks during a meeting with reporters aboard Air Force One on his return to Washington following a three-day visit to Beijing. When asked if he had discussed North Korea with Xi, Trump confirmed, indicating that he maintains a good relationship with Kim Jong-un, noting that the North Korean leader has been "pretty quiet."
Trump also mentioned having communications with Kim but declined to elaborate on the nature of these interactions, emphasizing the respectful relationship between Kim and the United States. While details of Trump's discussions with Xi on North Korea remain unclear, there was speculation before the summit that Trump might seek China's assistance in resuming diplomacy with the isolated nation. Following the summit, Chinese state media reported that both leaders exchanged views on significant international and regional matters, including the Korean Peninsula.
In addition to North Korea, Trump highlighted that he and Xi extensively discussed Taiwan. Despite China's strong stance on Taiwan, which it views as its territory, Trump reported no commitments were made. The conversation included detailed discussions on arms sales to Taiwan, though Trump did not divulge specific decisions. When questioned about the U.S.'s potential defense of Taiwan in an attack scenario, Trump refrained from providing an answer, stating he is "the only person that knows that."
Regarding Iran, Trump expressed acceptance of Iran suspending its nuclear program for 20 years, emphasizing the need for a "real" commitment from Tehran. This stance appears to contrast with his earlier statements dismissing a 20-year limit and asserting that Iran should not possess nuclear weapons. Trump also addressed Chinese oil companies sanctioned for purchasing Iranian oil during talks with Xi, indicating a decision on lifting these sanctions will be made soon.
On economic matters, Trump announced China's agreement to purchase over 200 Boeing aircraft, with a potential total of up to 750 planes. This development was part of Trump's overall trip to Beijing, marking the first visit by a sitting U.S. president to China since 2017.