Trump and Xi set for first face-to-face meeting in 6 years as major trade war looms over both nations
As President Donald Trump prepares for a pivotal meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea, the stakes couldn’t be higher for both nations. Scheduled for Thursday, this encounter is set against a backdrop of escalating trade tensions, military posturing in the Pacific, and a fierce competition for technological supremacy. The meeting represents a potential turning point in U.S.-China relations, which many experts view as America’s most significant geopolitical challenge. Global markets will be closely monitoring the discussions, as a successful outcome could pave the way for a resolution to the ongoing trade dispute, including the possible removal of proposed triple-digit tariffs by the U.S. and increased Chinese exports of rare earth minerals.
The Trump administration has indicated that an agreement is in the works, which may involve China easing its export restrictions and averting the looming 100% tariff set to take effect shortly. This agreement could essentially restore trade conditions to their pre-standoff state, fostering a sense of stability in global markets. Key issues on the agenda include increasing Chinese purchases of American agricultural products, finalizing the controversial sale of TikTok, and addressing the flow of precursor chemicals for opioids like fentanyl into the U.S. Trump expressed optimism about the meeting, suggesting it could yield positive results for both nations. However, the negotiation over TikTok remains contentious, with concerns that Xi views the platform as a strategic asset that should not be entirely relinquished to U.S. control.
In addition to trade, the meeting is expected to address critical security concerns, particularly regarding Taiwan. Xi is likely to emphasize China’s perspective on the Taiwan issue, a matter of increasing concern for U.S. military planners who predict a potential Chinese invasion by 2027. The U.S. has historically supported Taiwan, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio reassured Taiwanese officials that there are no intentions to compromise their security for trade benefits. Trump’s recent efforts to strengthen alliances with Japan and South Korea further underscore the importance of these discussions, as he seeks to reinforce America’s position in the Asia-Pacific region. Overall, this summit could be a decisive moment for both leaders, with implications that extend far beyond their bilateral relationship.
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When President
Donald Trump
meets Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea on Thursday, it could reset relations with the global power that’s long been defined as America’s greatest geopolitical threat.
The meeting comes at a critical moment — as both nations navigate escalating trade tensions, military posturing in the Pacific and a race for dominance in critical technologies that will shape the century ahead.
Global markets will be watching closely to see how the meeting unfolds. A successful meeting could end with the U.S. backing off of its threat of triple-digit tariffs and China allowing for more exports of rare earth minerals and magnets.
The Trump administration has announced the world’s two biggest economies have brokered the framework of an agreement both sides may sign during the meeting of principals on Thursday. The agreement would see Beijing defer export restrictions and avert the additional 100% tariff that was set to take effect on Saturday — an effective return to the status quo before the trade standoff began in the spring.
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Other U.S. priorities are sure to come up: increasing Chinese purchases of American agricultural products, finalizing the Chinese sale of TikTok and getting China to do more about the flow of precursor chemicals for drugs like fentanyl to the U.S.
“China’s going to be working with me,” Trump said when asked what Beijing would do to cut back on
fentanyl trafficking
.
Xi, meanwhile, is expected to try to get Trump to understand his side on the
Taiwan issue
. U.S. military planners for years have expected Beijing to be capable of invading Taiwan by 2027 and prepared for a war scenario in which the U.S. would step in on behalf of the island democracy.
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Trump struck an optimistic tone about the planned meetup in Busan, South Korea — his first sit-down with Xi in six years.
“That’s a big, big meeting, and I think it’s going to work out very well, actually. I think it’s going to be great for everybody,” Trump said during a dinner with business leaders Tuesday in Tokyo.
Treasury Secretary
Scott Bessent
predicted on CBS’ “Face the Nation” on Sunday that Trump and Xi would “consummate [the TikTok] transaction in South Korea on Thursday.”
But others are less optimistic that TikTok will hand over total control to an independent U.S. company.
“I believe Xi Jinping views this as a strategic asset,” Rep. John Moolenaar, R-Mich., chair of the House Select Committee on competition with China told “‘Face the Nation.”
“That’s why he didn’t want to sell it to some of the other American companies that were interested in purchasing it. So as long as they’re involved, I think we have to recognize that TikTok, even an American version, still could be open to influence from the Chinese Communist Party.”
Secretary of State Marco Rubio sought to reassure Taipei that “no one is contemplating” veering away from Taiwan in exchange for preferential trade terms.
The summit comes just after Trump shored up relations with Japan and South Korea.
“I want to just let you know anytime you have any question, any doubt, anything you want, any favors you need, anything I can do to help Japan, we will be there,” Trump said to Japan’s new prime minister, Senae Takaichi. “We are an ally at the strongest level.”
Eric
Eric is a seasoned journalist covering US Politics news.
