Trump and Xi Discuss Iran Tensions, Trade, and Taiwan Sovereignty in High-Level Call

United States President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping held a comprehensive telephone discussion on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, addressing several critical geopolitical issues, including the volatile situation surrounding Iran, ongoing bilateral trade disputes, and the sensitive status of Taiwan. The exchange saw President Trump urge Beijing to increase its participation in isolating Tehran following recent Iranian actions.

The conversation also served to confirm President Trump's planned official visit to Beijing in April 2026, an event carrying significant implications for the world's two largest economies. The relationship between the leaders, characterized by President Trump as "extremely good" on social media, is currently navigating a complex environment of both cooperation and friction. The focus on Iran is heightened by the U.S. administration's recent imposition of a 25 percent tariff on imports from any nation conducting business with Iran, a measure intended to amplify pressure following a violent crackdown on domestic protests the previous month.

China remains a key economic partner for Tehran; World Trade Organization data indicates Iran maintained approximately $32 billion in international trade with China in 2024, a figure that contrasts with the U.S. objective of isolating the Islamic Republic. This diplomatic engagement occurred against a backdrop of heightened military considerations, following U.S. cyber operations against Iranian air defense systems in June 2025, part of Operation Midnight Hammer, which targeted nuclear facilities.

A divergence in diplomatic messaging emerged post-call, underscoring underlying strategic ambiguity. While President Trump confirmed his April 2026 visit to Beijing, the official Chinese readout omitted any reference to the planned engagement. This contrasts with the explicit confirmation from the U.S. side and suggests differing emphases in high-level communications. The mention of Special Envoy Steve Witkoff engaging Iranian officials immediately after the leaders' discussion suggests active, immediate diplomatic efforts are underway.

Regarding Taiwan, the Chinese government reiterated its firm sovereignty position, with its official readout stating that "China will never allow Taiwan to be split." This declaration stands as a significant counterpoint to potential U.S. policy shifts concerning the self-governing island. The U.S. administration is reportedly nearing a trade deal with Taiwan aimed at reducing tariffs on Taiwanese exports to the U.S. to 15 percent, while simultaneously seeking commitments from chipmaker TSMC for further facility construction in Arizona.

The timing of the Trump-Xi dialogue also coincided with the official expiration of the New START treaty between the U.S. and Russia on February 4, 2026, the final bilateral framework limiting the strategic nuclear arsenals of the two powers. Concurrently, President Xi Jinping held a separate conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin. President Trump has expressed a desire to negotiate a new nuclear agreement that would incorporate China, a proposition that has historically met resistance from Beijing regarding limits on its nuclear forces.