Thu Feb 05 02:28:53 UTC 2026: # Trump and Xi Discuss Iran, Trade, and Taiwan Amidst Global Tensions
The Story:
On February 4, 2026, President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping held a wide-ranging phone call, primarily focusing on the situation in Iran. The U.S. administration is actively pushing China and other nations to further isolate Tehran, particularly in response to Iran’s crackdown on recent protests. The leaders also discussed trade relations, Taiwan, and Trump’s planned visit to Beijing in April, though the Chinese government’s readout of the call did not mention the planned visit.
The call took place against a backdrop of escalating tensions, including the looming expiration of the New START treaty, U.S. arms sales to Taiwan, and ongoing trade disputes, marked by the US imposing a 25% tax on imports from countries dealing with Iran.
Key Points:
- President Trump and President Xi discussed the situation in Iran, with the U.S. pressing China to further isolate Tehran.
- Trade, Taiwan, and Trump‘s potential visit to Beijing in April were also discussed.
- Trump indicated he is considering military action against Iran.
- The U.S. imposed a 25% tax on imports from countries that do business with Iran, China being Iran’s largest trading partner, with $32 billion in trade in 2024.
- The U.S. announced a $10 billion arms package to Taiwan, drawing condemnation from Beijing.
- The New START treaty between Russia and the U.S. is set to expire on February 5, 2026.
Key Takeaways:
- Despite tensions, both Trump and Xi emphasize maintaining a good working relationship.
- The U.S. is actively leveraging its relationship with China to pressure Iran.
- The Taiwan issue remains a significant point of contention between the U.S. and China.
- The expiration of the New START treaty introduces new uncertainties to global nuclear arms control.
- The U.S. is actively seeking to reshape global supply chains for critical minerals, aiming to reduce reliance on China.
First Piper 