In the first direct communication between the two leaders since his inauguration, US President Donald Trump has addressed China’s Xi Jinping in a letter stating the intention to develop “a constructive relationship.” There is still no sign of a phone call being set up, however.
The letter contained a thank-you for Xi’s congratulatory note on Trump winning the presidency, and went on to suggest that the two countries find a way to smoothen out their relationship.
“President Trump stated that he looks forward to working with President Xi to develop a constructive relationship that benefits both the United States and China,” said a statement from White House spokesman Sean Spicer.
Despite this expressed intent at rapprochement, however, Xi only received a letter – even though Trump has held phone calls with more than a dozen international leaders since officially moving into the Oval Office.
According to Reuters, the letter was received, but no formal reaction or comment followed from Beijing on Thursday.
The news agency learned from Foreign Ministry sources in China that Beijing has been in no hurry to set up a call between the two leaders, reportedly out of fear that if the telephone conversation went wrong and the details were reported in the American press, Xi might lose face.
“It would be incredibly embarrassing for President Xi and for Chinese people, who value the concept of face,” a Chinese diplomatic source told the agency.
“These things need to happen in a very controlled environment for China, and China can’t guarantee that with the unpredictable Trump,” the source said, adding that the US president appears to have been “distracted” by other matters thus far.
