Trump, Xi May Seal China Framework at APEC

U.S. and Chinese negotiators said preliminary talks in Kuala Lumpur produced a basic consensus on tariffs, export controls (including a possible pause or rollback of China’s rare‑earth export curbs), agricultural purchases and measures to curb fentanyl precursor shipments. President Donald Trump said he expects to seal a “great deal” with Xi Jinping when they meet on the sidelines of the APEC summit in South Korea, their first face-to-face encounter since 2019. Both sides signaled progress on items such as arrangements over TikTok’s U.S. operations, extensions or suspension of reciprocal tariffs, and cooperation on fentanyl-related measures, while U.S. officials said Washington will continue export controls on sensitive technologies. Officials cautioned the pact is preliminary, that remaining disputes — including implementation, maritime and enforcement measures — still require domestic approvals, and observers warned leader-level agreements would likely defer, not resolve, deep structural issues such as technology controls, Taiwan and ties with Russia. The summit is unfolding amid other high-stakes bilateral moves at APEC, including a separate U.S.-South Korea tariff and investment agreement announced by Trump. U.S. Treasury officials have suggested Trump’s earlier 100% tariff threat is effectively off the table, and negotiators say they expect substantial Chinese purchases of U.S. soybeans if the framework advances.