Chinese President Xi Jinping and his American counterpart Donald Trump have spoken by phone for the third time this year, according to state broadcaster CCTV.
The conversation on Friday marked the latest efforts by the two powers to stabilise their relationship, which remains mired in a geopolitical rivalry.
It also paved the way for a long-awaited in-person summit between Xi and Trump later this year.
Anticipation has been building for a face-to-face meeting between the two, which would be the first such encounter since the US leader returned to the White House in January.
China has issued a formal state visit invitation to Trump, and preparations are in the final stages, with bulk purchase deals – including Boeing jets and soybeans – in sight, according to an earlier report by the South China Morning Post.
