In a cryptic X-post barely exceeding a hundred words, former U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed a 90-minute phone call with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The brevity of the message stood in stark contrast to its implications. Beneath its surface, the call marked a potential turning point in global diplomacy—not a flex of strength, but perhaps a quiet recognition that the U.S. no longer dominates the strategic chessboard, especially when it comes to China.
Notably, the call was initiated by Trump himself—a symbolically significant move. This is the same leader who, during both terms, relentlessly criticized China for “plundering” the U.S. economy and imposing an “unfair trade imbalance.” He once claimed his tariff regime would force China to capitulate. It didn’t. Instead, Beijing absorbed the shocks, diversified its trade partners, and emerged more self-reliant.
Fast forward to today, Trump is dialing Xi, calling him a “great leader” and hailing China as a “great country.” Such language marks a sharp departure from the adversarial tone of the past.
A central focus of the call, Trump noted, was rare earth minerals—a sector where China holds an overwhelming lead. As per the U.S. Geological Survey (2024), China accounts for over 60% of global rare earth mining and over 85% of refining capacity. These minerals are critical to everything from smartphones and electric vehicles to military hardware. The U.S., long reliant on these imports, now finds itself in a vulnerable position.
Curiously, Trump also specified what was not discussed: Ukraine, Iran, and Palestine. Such denials often suggest the opposite. These are the most contentious flashpoints in U.S.-China relations—too pressing to ignore in a 90-minute dialogue. Trump, who once boasted he could resolve the Ukraine war “within 24 hours,” likely sought China’s informal stance on key conflicts.
It’s inconceivable that Taiwan didn’t come up. While the U.S. officially recognizes the One-China Policy, it continues to arm and support Taiwan—actions Beijing views as direct provocations. Recent U.S. military drills in the Indo-Pacific, including the Taiwan Strait, have only heightened tensions. Trump’s newly appointed Defense Secretary has reaffirmed America’s pledge to defend Taiwan, further escalating geopolitical stakes.
China has responded by fortifying artificial islands, ramping up drills in the South China Sea, and boosting ties with regional players. Meanwhile, the U.S. is reinforcing strategic alliances—AUKUS, QUAD, EDCA with the Philippines, and bilateral defense agreements with Japan and South Korea.
This call also comes as Trump’s 90-day pause on tariffs nears its end. Reinstating them could disrupt imports of Chinese electronics, machinery, and consumer goods—most of which are essential to American retailers.
As someone working at a Home Depot in Macomb, Michigan, I witness this dependence daily. Roughly 90% of store inventory—from plumbing tools to electrical parts—is sourced from China. With U.S. outlets averaging $5–6 million in daily sales, any disruption could ripple through logistics, retail, and even employment.
According to a 2023 U.S.-China Business Council report, Chinese imports support over a million U.S. jobs in sectors ranging from shipping and warehousing to retail. Despite tough rhetoric, the reality of economic interdependence tempers Washington’s policy options.
Meanwhile, China is far from deterred. On a recent visit to a solar panel factory in Shenzhen, I was told matter-of-factly: “We’ll redirect to other markets.” That’s not bluster. With its Belt and Road Initiative involving over 150 nations, China is less reliant on the U.S. than ever before.
Bilateral trade still matters. According to 2023 data from the U.S. Census Bureau, China remains the third-largest U.S. trading partner. However, the U.S. represents just 12% of China’s total exports—underscoring Beijing’s broader global strategy.
Trump’s appointment of a former Iran envoy to lead trade negotiations suggests a pivot in foreign policy, hinting that Washington may now seek Beijing’s help in the Middle East. With China being Iran’s largest oil buyer and infrastructure investor, its influence in regional diplomacy is growing. Oman and Egypt are already brokering backchannel talks—China’s involvement could tip the scales.
Adding to the intrigue is Xi’s invitation for Trump and the First Lady to visit China—a gesture never extended during Trump’s previous term. It signals a diplomatic thaw, or at the very least, mutual recognition. Trump, who once aimed to isolate China, now appears eager to engage.
This 90-minute conversation may be remembered not just as a diplomatic courtesy but as a moment when Washington began to talk with China, rather than down to it. Trump’s shift—from fiery rebukes to terms of respect—speaks volumes. In diplomacy, acknowledgment is the first sign of parity.
Whether this marks a genuine strategic realignment or a tactical pause remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: The age of unilateral dominance is over. The game has changed. The world watches to see whether the next move will yield a rare win-win—or a costly misstep with global reverberations.
