The much-anticipated exchange marked the latest efforts by the two powers to stabilise their relationship, which remains mired in a geopolitical rivalry.

The call, which began at 8pm Beijing time on Friday , 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.