U.S. President Donald Trump (left) and Chinese President Xi Jinping exchange handshakes and whispers. Yonhap News

Foreign media reported that the leaders of the U.S. and China exchanged views on trade, the Taiwan issue, and the Russia-Ukraine war during a phone call, approximately one month after their last conversation. 

According to foreign media reports, including The Washington Post (WP) and Xinhua News Agency, on October 25, U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping discussed major pending issues over the phone on the evening of October 24. 

A White House official confirmed the call but did not disclose specific details. 

The conversation between the two leaders took place amidst deteriorating Japan-China relations, following recent statements by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi that Japan's Self-Defense Forces could intervene if China takes action regarding Taiwan. 

During the phone call, President Xi stated that China and the U.S., who fought together in the war, "must better protect the outcomes of victory in World War II," WP reported. 

It was also reported that the two leaders discussed trade, though Xinhua News Agency did not mention any specific agreement results. 

According to WP, President Trump commented that "the issue of Taiwan's return to mainland China is an important part of the post-war international order." The news agency explained that Trump said, "China played an important role in the victory of World War II, and the United States understands the importance of the Taiwan issue to China." 

President Xi also said, "The mutual achievement and common prosperity of China and the United States are a visible and tangible reality," adding, "The two countries should maintain this trend, adhere to the right direction, increase the list of cooperation, and reduce the list of problems." 

The news agency added that the two leaders also spoke about the Ukraine issue on this day. 

Editorial Department, Hankook Ilbo