President Donald Trump engaged in a significant diplomatic day, starting with a lengthy phone call with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The call lasted nearly 1.5 hours and primarily focused on trade relations between the two nations. During the conversation, both leaders extended invitations to visit each other's countries, signaling a potential thaw in their ongoing trade tensions.
Tensions have been high recently, as both the U.S. and China accused each other of breaching a trade truce. This backdrop sets the stage for Trump's upcoming discussions with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. As Trump prepares to meet with Merz, he is also addressing the press, where he is expected to field questions on various topics, including trade and immigration.
In a related development, Trump signed a proclamation that restricts nationals from 12 countries, including Afghanistan, Haiti, and Iran, from entering the United States. This move has drawn attention and criticism, as it continues to shape the administration's immigration policies.
The meeting with Merz is anticipated to cover a range of issues, with trade and immigration likely at the forefront. As the global landscape shifts, Trump's interactions with both Xi and Merz highlight the complexities of international relations and the ongoing challenges in trade negotiations.