US President Donald Trump has said he will host Chinese leader Xi Jinping at the White House later this year, as the world's two leading economies aim to restore ties damaged by a tumultuous trade war.
Trump made the comment in an interview with NBC News recorded on Wednesday - the same day he and Xi had a wide-ranging conversation about trade, Taiwan, Russia's war in Ukraine and the situation in Iran.
Trump is expected to go to China in April, before Xi visits the United States.
"He's coming to the White House, yes - towards the end of the year," Trump said in the interview, parts of which were broadcast on Sunday, according to the Telegraph.
"These are the two most powerful countries in the world and we have a very good relationship."
Since Trump returned to the White House a year ago, he has imposed several types of tariffs, unveiling sector-specific taxes on steel, vehicles and other items, as well as broader measures to achieve a range of policy objectives.
The White House has clashed with Beijing over trade, but has reached a "broad ceasefire" with China after a major escalation last spring.
And despite moves by the United States aimed at reducing its dependence on Chinese manufacturing, the two countries remain deeply intertwined economically.
Xi, who last visited the United States in 2023, on Wednesday warned Trump to proceed with "caution" in selling arms to self-ruled Taiwan, which China claims as part of its territory.
The Chinese leader also expressed hope that bilateral issues, including trade, can be resolved amicably between Beijing and Washington.
"By addressing issues one by one and continuously building mutual trust, we can create a fair way for the two countries to get along well," Xi said, according to state broadcaster CCTV.
Meanwhile, Trump said the conversation with Xi was "great" and that "we both understand how important it is to keep it that way."
On Friday, the United States called for trilateral talks with Russia and China to set new limits on nuclear weapons, but Beijing has so far refused to join disarmament negotiations "at this stage."
