President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping will meet at a US China summit in South Korea on Thursday to reset relations and potentially sign a major trade agreement.
Potential Deal Averts New Tariffs
The U.S. and China have brokered a framework for an agreement that would avert an additional 100% tariff that was set to take effect on Saturday. The deal would also see Beijing defer new China trade tariffs and export restrictions on key minerals.
President Trump expressed optimism about the outcome of the Trump Xi trade talks South Korea. “China’s going to be working with me,” Trump said, later adding, “I think it’s going to work out very well, actually. I think it’s going to be great for everybody.“
Key Details of the US China Summit
The meeting in Busan, South Korea, marks Trump’s first sit-down with Xi in six years and occurs amid escalating military posturing and a race for technological dominance. U.S. priorities include increasing Chinese purchases of American agricultural products and addressing the flow of fentanyl precursor chemicals.
TikTok Sale and Technology Concerns
The U.S. administration also aims to finalize the TikTok sale US China deal at the summit. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated on Sunday that the goal is to “consummate [the TikTok] transaction in South Korea on Thursday.“
However, skepticism remains regarding Chinese influence over the app. “I believe Xi Jinping views this as a strategic asset,” said Rep. John Moolenaar, adding that “even an American version, still could be open to influence from the Chinese Communist Party.“
US China Taiwan Policy Remains a Focus
President Xi is expected to raise the issue of Taiwan during the meeting. For years, U.S. military planners have prepared for a potential scenario where Beijing could be capable of invading Taiwan by 2027.
The Trump administration has reassured Taiwan it will not be traded for preferential terms. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that “no one is contemplating” such a change to the existing US China Taiwan policy.
Summit Follows Strengthened Regional Alliances
The high-stakes meeting comes after President Trump worked to strengthen relations with key regional allies Japan and South Korea. During a recent dinner in Tokyo, Trump reinforced his commitment to Japan’s security.
“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 stated. He later added, “We are an ally at the strongest level.“
