Chinese President Xi Jinping told US President Donald Trump in a phone call on Monday that Taiwan's "return to China" remains a pillar of the post-Second World War international order, as per the Strait Times.

"China and the United States once fought side by side against fascism and militarism, and should now work together to safeguard the outcomes of World War II," Xi told Chinese media outlet Xinhua, in remarks underscoring Beijing's view that Taiwan's status is non-negotiable.

A White House official confirmed the call but provided no further details. Washington maintains a policy of "strategic ambiguity" over whether it would defend Taiwan, while the island's government rejects Beijing's sovereignty claim and insists its future must be determined only by its 23 million people.

The call comes against a tense regional backdrop, as China is embroiled in its sharpest diplomatic row with Japan in years after Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said in November that a Chinese attack on Taiwan could trigger a military response from Tokyo.

Xi and Trump last met in South Korea on Oct 30, following months of trade friction rooted in Trump's tariff measures.

Since then, Beijing has resumed purchases of US soybeans and paused expanded curbs on rare earth exports, while Washington has cut tariffs on Chinese goods by 10%. Xi told Trump bilateral ties had "stabilised and improved" in recent weeks.

Both leaders have a clear interest in preventing another collapse in relations following last month's fragile trade truce.

However, the Chinese leader's increasingly assertive language on Taiwan, and the unresolved disputes over minerals, semiconductors and technology exports, mean the stakes surrounding their next meeting will remain exceptionally high.

"The facts again show that cooperation benefits both sides while confrontation hurts both," Xi said, urging sustained momentum and deeper cooperation.

The two leaders also discussed the war in Ukraine, with Xi reiterating China's support for efforts "conducive to peace" and calling for all parties to narrow their differences.

Trump said on Monday that he had accepted Xi's invitation for a visit to Beijing in April, and had in turn invited the Chinese leader for a state visit to Washington later in 2026.