Subject: Re: Trump/Xi Press Release
https://www.wsj.com/world/chin...

Until now, Xi had resisted getting on the phone with Trump as the Chinese leader wanted the White House to first dial down its pressure on Beijing, according to people close to China’s decision-making.

However, faced with mounting economic pressure, Xi also has to prevent the Chinese economy from falling into an abyss. Managing relations with Washington is key to that.

In an initial sign that Beijing was engaged with Washington in arranging the call, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with David Perdue, the U.S. ambassador to Beijing, on Tuesday. Wang urged the U.S. to “create the necessary conditions” for bilateral relations to get back on the right track.

Then on Thursday, Chinese Vice President Han Zheng also met a U.S. delegation for a “Track II” dialogue, or discussions among nongovernmental groups on both sides, saying the bilateral relations are now at “a crucial juncture.”