Xi Jinping Emphasizes People-to-People Ties Ahead of Expected Trump Meeting

Beijing – Chinese President Xi Jinping underscored the importance of people-to-people exchanges in fostering stable U.S.-China relations, in a message to longtime friends in Iowa. The communication comes ahead of an anticipated meeting with President Donald Trump in April, signaling a continued effort to manage tensions and identify areas for cooperation between the two nations.

A History of Connection: Xi’s Iowa Ties

Xi Jinping’s message, reported by Xinhua on Monday, February 16, 2026, was a response to a Novel Year’s greeting from Des Moines business executive Luca Berrone. Xi first met Berrone in May 1985, during a two-week visit to Iowa as a Hebei provincial official. The visit was part of a delegation focused on learning about U.S. Food production techniques in Iowa, a “sister state” to Hebei province. Des Moines Register

This connection to Iowa has remained significant for Xi. In 2022, he highlighted the need for stability in U.S.-China relations in a New Year’s greeting to another friend from his 1985 Iowa trip, Sarah Lande. Newsweek

Navigating a Complex Relationship

U.S.-China relations experienced considerable turbulence in 2025. President Trump, in October of that year, threatened to impose a 100% tariff on imports from China. Yet, a trade truce was secured in October during talks between Xi and Trump in South Korea. Des Moines Register The agreement involved Trump agreeing to reduce tariffs in exchange for Beijing’s commitment to address the illegal fentanyl trade, increase purchases of U.S. Soybeans and temporarily halt restrictions on rare earth exports.

Further dialogue occurred in early February 2026, with a phone call between Xi and Trump addressing issues such as Taiwan and broader security concerns. During this call, Trump stated that Xi indicated China would consider increasing its purchases of U.S. Soybeans, with Iowa being the second-largest producer in the U.S. After Illinois. Des Moines Register

Revival of People-to-People Ties

Despite the political and economic tensions, 2025 as well saw a surprising increase in people-to-people connections. The potential ban of TikTok in the U.S. Led many American users to Chinese social media platform RedNote. A cultural trend dubbed “Chinamaxxing,” involving the adoption of Chinese cultural habits, gained popularity among Gen Z in the United States, fueled by a growing perception of China as a technological superpower. Des Moines Register

Xi Jinping also emphasized the importance of youth exchanges during a 2023 visit to San Francisco, announcing an initiative to invite 50,000 American students to China for exchange and study programs over five years. Newsweek

Looking Ahead

President Trump has announced plans to visit China in April, with Xi Jinping expected to reciprocate with a visit to the United States later in 2026. Xi’s recent message to his Iowa friends underscores his belief that strong interpersonal relationships are crucial for navigating the complexities of the U.S.-China relationship and fostering a more stable future. Des Moines Register