Xi Jinping may visit the US in the not-too-distant future, says Trump.
In recent weeks, Trump has expressed optimism regarding a good relationship with Xi.
By Gram Slattery and Trevor Hunnicutt
(Reuters)- US President Donald Trump suggested on Monday that Chinese President Xi Jinping could visit the United States "in the not too distant future" for talks, as economic tensions rise between the two powers.
Trump imposed 20% tariffs on all imports from China since taking office in January, criticizing Beijing for failing to stop the flow of chemicals used to manufacture illegal fentanyl, a leading cause of overdose deaths in the U.S.
In recent weeks, Trump has expressed optimism about a good relationship with Xi. But there have been few signs of progress on a range of issues that divide the nations, from tariffs to Taiwan.
China opposes the tariffs and says it has taken serious measures to combat narcotics trafficking. Beijing has imposed a limited set of its own retaliatory trade actions.
"He will come," Trump said, "in the not too distant future."
Trump made the comments as a side note during a board meeting at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington.
The US president said the tariffs are necessary to rebalance unequal trade relations with other countries and to increase government revenue. He largely rejected investor fears that the tariffs could slow growth and increase inflation.
The White House did not respond to a request for further comment. The Chinese embassy in Washington did not respond to a request for comment.
