Beijing, May 15 (IANS) US President Donald Trump said Friday he discussed North Korea with Chinese President Xi Jinping during their summit in Beijing this week, as he has expressed his desire to re-engage with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.
Trump made the remarks in a meeting with reporters aboard Air Force One en route to Washington after a three-day visit to Beijing, according to Reuters, Yonhap news agency reported.
It remains uncertain exactly what he and Xi discussed about North Korea. But in the lead-up to the Beijing summit, speculation lingered that Trump could ask for China’s assistance to facilitate the resumption of diplomacy with the reclusive regime.
The US President also said he talked a lot about Taiwan with Xi, and that he does not think there is a conflict on the issue, Reuters reported. China regards the self-governing democracy as part of its territory.
On Iran, Trump said he was OK with Iran suspending its nuclear programme for 20 years, underscoring that there has to be a “real” commitment from Tehran.
Last month, Trump said there is no 20-year limit, stressing that Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon.
In addition, he said he discussed Chinese oil companies sanctioned for buying Iranian oil during talks with Xi, and that he will decide whether to lift the sanctions in the next few days.
On the economic front, Trump said China has agreed to buy 200 Boeing aircraft, with a potential commitment to buy up to 750 planes.
On Friday, Trump wrapped up his trip to Beijing. His visit this week marked the first trip to China by a sitting US President since 2017.
During Thursday’s meeting, Trump invited Xi and the Chinese first lady Peng Liyuan, to visit the White House in Washington on September 24.
