US President Donald Trump meets with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the start of their bilateral meeting at the G20 leaders summit in Osaka, Japan, June 29, 2019. (Photo: Reuters/Kevin Lamarque)

During their first phone conversation since Trump’s inauguration, Xi likened the China-US relationship to a giant ship that requires two pilots to steer it in the right direction. He said it’s especially important to avoid disturbances and disruptions as the two countries work to recalibrate their ties.

Xi urged the US to follow through on the agreement reached in Geneva, and emphasized the need to make full use of existing economic and trade consultation mechanisms. He called for win-win outcomes based on equality and mutual respect, and urged Washington to roll back what he described as “negative” measures against China.

Trump said he has great respect for Xi and considers the US-China relationship to be vital. He reaffirmed the US commitment to the one-China policy and said the US welcomes Chinese students to study there.

On his Truth Social platform, Trump said the two leaders spoke for approximately 90 minutes and that the discussion was focused almost entirely on trade. “Nothing was discussed concerning Russia/Ukraine, or Iran,” he wrote, calling the conversation a “very positive conclusion for both countries.”

The two leaders agreed to continue exchanges and have their teams resume talks soon.