Trump Xi Jinping Meet in South Korea Advances Trade Talks Amid Tensions

Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump met for the first time in six years during the APEC summit in South Korea, marking a significant moment amidst ongoing trade tensions between the two nations. Trump announced intentions to reduce tariffs on Chinese exports from 57 percent to 47 percent and expressed optimism about signing a trade agreement soon, with plans for reciprocal visits to each other's countries. Despite the positive rhetoric, experts caution that the meeting is unlikely to resolve core structural issues in the U.S.-China economic relationship, viewing it more as a de-escalation of the ongoing trade war. Trump acknowledged Xi as a tough negotiator, and both leaders face complex challenges, including China's control over rare earth minerals vital to U.S. industries and previous retaliatory measures such as tariffs and export restrictions. The meeting reflects a cautious but hopeful step toward easing trade tensions, though substantial breakthroughs remain uncertain. Trump's approach contrasts with more hardline views in Washington, as he seems to regard Xi more as a business rival than a geopolitical adversary.