### Trump and Xi Discuss Trade, Plan Future Negotiations

In a recent one-hour phone call, President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping engaged in discussions on crucial trade matters. Both leaders agreed to schedule a new round of meetings between their respective teams in an effort to resolve ongoing disputes.

This conversation comes at a pivotal time as both nations have accused each other of not adhering to the 90-day trade truce established three weeks prior. During this truce, both countries significantly reduced tariffs and committed to ongoing dialogue.

President Trump emphasized the importance of understanding the complexities surrounding Rare Earth products, and announced via Truth Social that the negotiating teams would meet soon at a yet-to-be-determined location. Trump's announcement follows criticisms from China’s foreign minister, who claimed that the U.S. had implemented several "negative measures" post-deal, describing current relations as being at a "critical juncture."

This marks the first call between the two leaders since January 17, just before Trump assumed office. The forthcoming negotiations will see the U.S. represented by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer.

National Economic Council director Kevin Hassett noted that another conversation between Trump and Xi could be expected this week, indicating potential progress in the often contentious trade talks. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent echoed the sentiment, suggesting a phone call might be necessary to clear roadblocks in further negotiations.

Earlier this month, Bessent was instrumental in brokering a 90-day tariff reduction deal with China during a summit in Switzerland, a significant move amid the ongoing trade war. The Treasury Department confirmed that U.S. and Chinese officials would have their first formal economic talks since the sweeping tariffs were announced, a vital step in easing the strained relationship between the two economic giants.