Trump, Xi meet in effort to resolve trade tensions sparked by US tariffs
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US President Donald Trump met face to face with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Busan, South Korea, on Thursday; This came just hours after Trump hinted online at potential changes to US defense and trade policy.
The meeting was the last stop of Trump’s Asia trip, which also included Malaysia and Japan, and focused on cooling the economic standoff between Washington and Beijing.
Since returning to the White House in January, Trump has imposed massive tariffs on Chinese imports; It was a move that prompted Beijing to tighten its control over rare earths exports. Both leaders have signaled their intention to ease tensions to prevent further shocks to the global economy.
Ahead of Thursday’s summit, U.S. and Chinese aides signaled that the discussion would focus on tariffs, high-tech exports and supply chain competition – key points that have long defined the relationship between the two powers. Trump told reporters he believes the two sides can reach common ground.
TRUMP VISITED SOUTH KOREA WHILE TRYING TO GAIN BILLIONS OF DOLLARS IN INVESTMENT
President Donald Trump (left) and Chinese President Xi Jinping (right) shake hands before their meeting at Gimhae International Airport in Busan, South Korea, on Thursday, October 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)
The meeting, which lasted approximately one hour and forty minutes, ended with the two leaders taking a short photo before going their separate ways. Later, neither side gave detailed information about the issue discussed. Trump left Busan without asking questions, waving to the press pool as he ascended the stairs of Air Force One.
As cameras clicked, Trump leaned toward Xi and appeared to speak quietly before shaking hands and boarding the plane.
Trump and Xi spoke briefly to the press before moving into a closed-door session with their top aides that lasted less than two hours.
WHILE TRUMP’S ASIA TRIP CONTINUED, TRUMP’S FOCUS TURNED TO JAPAN AND SOUTH KOREA
“It’s an honor to be with a friend of mine,” Trump said of Xi, adding that while some issues remain unresolved, “I think we already agree on a lot of things.”
“It is very warm to see you again after many years,” Xi said in his opening speech. he said.
The Chinese leader acknowledged that occasional friction between major powers is natural, adding that the United States and China “can still find ways to develop side by side.”
President Donald Trump (R), Secretary of State Marco Rubio (second from right) and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick (third from right) meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping at Gimhae International Airport in Busan, South Korea, on Thursday, October 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)
Earlier, aboard Air Force One en route to South Korea, Trump suggested Beijing might reduce tariffs on China for its cooperation in blocking fentanyl exports.
Chinese President Xi Jinping (center) meets with President Donald Trump (not pictured) at Gimhae International Airport in Busan, South Korea, on Thursday, October 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)
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“I expect to drop this because I believe they will help us with fentanyl,” Trump said, adding: “Relations with China are very good.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
