BEIJING: United States President Donald Trump has said that China has agreed to purchase 200 Boeing aircraft, describing it as a major aviation deal that could boost American manufacturing jobs and strengthen trade ties between the two economic powers.
Speaking in a television interview, Trump said that during his conversation with Chinese President Xi Jinping, he was informed about a large-scale aircraft purchase, referring to it as “200 big ones.” He added that although the arrangement was presented informally, he believed it represented a firm commitment from Beijing.
Trump stated that such a deal would generate “a lot of jobs” in the United States, highlighting the importance of aerospace exports for the American economy and the aviation manufacturing sector led by Boeing.
The announcement comes at a time when US-China trade relations remain closely watched by global markets. Reports in US media had earlier suggested that China could place an even larger order, potentially involving hundreds of Boeing 737 MAX single-aisle jets along with wide-body aircraft such as the 787 Dreamliner and 777 models.
The Boeing Company did not immediately issue an official comment on Trump’s statement. However, Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg has previously indicated optimism about securing new orders from China, noting that such deals depend heavily on diplomatic and trade relations between Washington and Beijing.
China, one of the world’s largest aviation markets, had last placed a major Boeing order in 2017, during Trump’s first presidential term, when agreements were signed for around 300 aircraft valued at tens of billions of dollars.
Market analysts say that if confirmed, the new order could significantly benefit Boeing, which has been competing with Airbus in the global commercial aircraft market, while also signaling improved momentum in US-China economic engagement.
The development also comes amid ongoing negotiations on trade, tariffs, and industrial cooperation between the two countries, with aviation emerging as a key strategic sector.
