Trump talks trade with Xi for first time since returning to Oval Office

Turning to international news.

There are signs of easing trade tensions between the United States and China.

The leaders of the two countries held a phone call on Thursday, the first since President Donald Trump took office in January.

President Trump described the conversation as "positive."

Our Park Kun-woo has more.

Expectations are growing for renewed trade talks between the U.S. and China, following months of tensions.

That comes after U.S. President Donald Trump said he held a phone call with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday, his first since returning to the Oval Office.

Trump described the 90-minute call as a "very good talk," saying the main focus was on trade with positive outcomes.

"We're in very good shape with China and the trade deal. We have a deal with China, as you know, but we were straightening out some of the points, having to do mostly with rare earth, magnets."

After the call, Trump posted on social media that follow-up talks would be arranged soon, involving Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick.

He also said that he has accepted an invitation from Beijing to visit China with the First Lady.

Trump said he also invited Xi to the U.S., expressing hope that such a visit would take place.

China's state media outlet Xinhua also confirmed the conversation, saying it was requested by the White House.

It reported that Xi had requested Washington to "remove negative measures" against Beijing, to stick to the recent agreement made in Geneva.

Xinhua also reported China's message to the U.S. to handle Taiwan "with prudence," to avoid being dragged into a "dangerous situation of conflict" by Taiwan independence separatists.

The report also said Trump expressed a welcoming stance toward Chinese students willing to study in the U.S., signaling a policy change.

Park Kun-woo, Arirang News.