(The Epoch Times)—Chinese Communist Party (CCP) leader Xi Jinping held rare same-day talks with both U.S. and Russian leaders on global issues and pledged to significantly increase purchases of U.S. agricultural products.
Analysts say Beijing’s move came amid fierce CCP infighting surrounding the recent takedown of top general Zhang Youxia, which reflects Xi’s attempt to leverage foreign relations to consolidate his power and gain international support, highlighting an internal power crisis.
The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that Xi held separate calls with Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump on Feb. 4, inviting both of them to visit China.
Trump later confirmed the call on his Truth Social platform, describing it as a “long and thorough call” and saying that his relations with Xi as “extremely good.”
According to Trump’s post, Xi promised to purchase 20 million tons of soybeans from the United States this quarter and another 25 million tons next quarter, far exceeding last year’s agreed-upon amount of 25 million tons annually. China will also increase its purchases of U.S. oil, natural gas, and aircraft engines.
Hours before the call with Trump, Xi held a video meeting with Putin at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, discussing strengthening multilateral cooperation as permanent members of the U.N. Security Council.
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