Donald Trump and Xi Jinping have spoken for the first time since the US election

CHINESE President Xi Jinping’s first post-election talk with Donald Trump went smoothly. But China’s state media is another story altogether.

XI JINPING has spoken with Donald Trump for the first time since the US election, congratulating the President-elect and stressing the need to work together.

The Chinese president told the incoming US leader co-operation was the only way forward for relations between the world’s two largest economies.

“The facts prove that co-operation is the only correct choice for China and the United States,” China Central Television (CCTV) cited Mr Xi as saying.

He said the two sides must “promote the two countries’ economic development and global economic growth” and “push for better development going forward in China-US relations”.

But China’s state newspaper seems to have missed the “diplomacy” memo.

An article published in the country’s nationalistic outlet The Global Times yesterday took a more aggressive approach, as it suggested China would fight back if Mr Trump goes through with slapping a 45 per cent tariff on imported Chinese goods.

China’s state media isn’t quite as diplomatic as its president about Donald Trump.

Despite dismissing his threat as “merely campaign rhetoric”, the article said China-US trade would be paralysed, meaning “China will take a tit-for-tat approach then”.

“Trump as a shrewd businessman will not be so naive,” it reads. “None of the previous presidents were bold enough to launch an all-out trade war against China. They all opted for a cautious line since it’s most consistent with the overall interests of the US, and it’s most acceptable to US society.

“Trump cannot change the pattern of interests between China and the US. The gigantic China-US trade is based on mutual benefits and a win-win situation. Even as president, Trump can exert limited influence on it.

“If Trump wrecks Sino-US trade, a number of US industries will be impaired. Finally the new president will be condemned for his recklessness, ignorance and incompetence and bear all the consequences.”

But Mr Trump’s presidential transition office said the incoming president has an optimistic outlook on the relationship between the two countries, following his conversation with Mr Xi.

“During the call, the leaders established a clear sense of mutual respect for one another, and president-elect Trump stated that he believes the two leaders will have one of the strongest relationships for both countries moving forward,” a statement from Mr Trump’s presidential transition office said.

It presents a stark difference to the Republican billionaire’s election campaign, throughout which he blasted the rising superpower.

Speculation has surrounded the issue of Sino-American relations in the wake of Mr Trump’s win.

In addition to threatening to impose tariffs, he labelled the country a currency manipulator and accused them of “raping” the United States.

So far, it’s unknown exactly how Mr Trump will choose to handle China, with expectations the President-elect will be more likely to focus on national issues as he enters the White House.