US President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping met for the first time in six years, raising cautious hopes that the world’s two largest economies might reduce long-standing tensions. Trump described the talks in South Korea as “amazing,” while Beijing said both sides had agreed to address “major trade issues.” Relations have been strained since Trump imposed heavy tariffs on Chinese imports, prompting swift retaliation. A temporary truce in May did little to resolve deeper disputes.
Although no formal trade deal emerged, both leaders signaled progress. Negotiators have spent months trying to settle conflicts over trade and technology. Trade agreements normally take years, but Trump’s aggressive tariff policies forced faster responses. Many affected nations are in Asia, where Trump has spent the past week promoting his economic agenda.
China lifts rare earth restrictions and resumes US farm imports
China agreed to remove export limits on rare earth minerals, essential for smartphones, electric vehicles, and defense systems. The move marked a symbolic win for Trump. Speaking aboard Air Force One, he said China would immediately resume purchasing “tremendous amounts of soybeans and other farm products.” Retaliatory tariffs from Beijing had previously blocked these imports, harming American farmers — a core part of Trump’s political base.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed that China would buy 12 million metric tonnes of soybeans this season and commit to at least 25 million tonnes annually for the next three years. Washington also announced it would ease some tariffs on chemicals linked to fentanyl production, a drug issue Trump has repeatedly blamed China and other nations for allowing into the US.
Sean Stein, president of the US-China Business Council, said progress on rare earths and tariffs represented the most meaningful result of the talks. He noted it gave businesses stability to address long-standing trade issues. Yet most tariffs remain, leaving US importers paying over 40 percent in taxes on Chinese goods.
Beijing also gained new diplomatic opportunities. Trump said Xi could soon meet Jensen Huang, CEO of US chipmaker Nvidia, central to the AI chip dispute. China seeks access to advanced processors, while Washington restricts exports for security reasons. Xi also invited Trump to visit China in April, signaling warmer ties. However, no breakthrough occurred on TikTok, whose US operations remain under scrutiny.
Xi stays composed while Trump pushes for results
The meeting highlighted the stark contrast between the two leaders. Xi remained calm and deliberate, sticking to prepared statements. China entered the talks from a strong position, having diversified trade partners and reduced reliance on the US. Afterward, Xi said both nations would work on outcomes that serve as a “reassuring pill” for their economies.
Trump appeared more tense than during earlier stops on his Asia tour. Gone were the grand palaces and ceremonial parades. The leaders met inside a guarded airport building surrounded by police and media. Despite the understated setting, the 80-minute discussion became the defining moment of Trump’s trip.
Henry Wang, a former adviser to China’s State Council, said the talks “went very well.” While no trade deal was finalized, he said both leaders had created “a framework and structure” for future cooperation. He described the outcome as “a good start” toward stabilizing one of the world’s most important and fragile economic relationships.
