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Trump Meets Xi Jinping: “Amazing” Talks Mark First In-Person Encounter in Six Years, No Formal Trade Deal

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30 October 2025

US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping met in South Korea on Thursday, the first face-to-face meeting between the two leaders in six years. The encounter, described by Trump as “amazing,” took place amid a backdrop of escalating trade tensions, strategic competition, and global economic uncertainty.

Although no formal trade agreement was signed, both sides emphasized a shared commitment to resolving “major trade issues,” offering cautious optimism for the world’s two largest economies.

A Long-Awaited Meeting

Since Trump first imposed tariffs on Chinese imports during his earlier term, US-China relations have been strained. Beijing retaliated with its own tariffs, disrupting global supply chains and intensifying political debates in Washington and Beijing alike. A temporary truce was reached in May, yet tensions remained high, particularly in sectors such as agriculture, technology, and rare earth materials.

Thursday’s discussions were widely anticipated. While the meeting lasted just an hour and 20 minutes, officials described it as a critical step toward building trust and exploring potential compromises on longstanding trade disputes.

Trade and Economic Agreements

Despite the absence of a formal deal, the meeting yielded several key developments:

  • Rare Earth Export Controls Lifted: China agreed to suspend export restrictions on rare earths, critical components in products ranging from smartphones and electric vehicles to fighter jets. Experts hailed this as a symbolic yet strategic win for the US, highlighting China’s influential role in global supply chains.

  • US Agricultural Exports: Trump announced that China would begin purchasing significant quantities of US soybeans and other farm products. Retaliatory tariffs had previously curtailed these exports, affecting American farmers, an important constituency for Trump.

  • Partial Fentanyl-Related Tariffs Lifted: The US said it would remove some tariffs on imports linked to fentanyl production. However, most tariffs remain, leaving the effective tax rate on Chinese goods above 40% for US importers.

  • Technology and AI Chips: Discussions on high-tech exports, particularly AI chips, were also addressed. China will now have access to US technology firm Nvidia, though the US continues to limit its supply of high-end chips, citing national security concerns.

  • TikTok Concerns Persist: No breakthrough occurred regarding TikTok. The US continues to pursue separation of TikTok’s American operations from its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, over national security worries.

  • Future Engagement: Xi extended an invitation for Trump to visit China in April, signaling a desire for continued dialogue.

Contrasting Leadership Styles

Observers noted a marked contrast in how the two leaders approached the discussions. Xi Jinping maintained a measured and composed demeanor, delivering carefully prepared statements. China, having learned from Trump’s previous term, has strengthened its leverage, particularly over rare earth exports, while diversifying trade partners to reduce dependency on the US.

Trump, by contrast, was more spontaneous and expressive, frequently speaking off-script. However, officials noted that the US president appeared tense, reflecting the high stakes of the negotiations and the scrutiny from global markets and domestic stakeholders.

Global Significance

While no formal agreement was reached, experts described the talks as laying a framework and structure for future negotiations. Henry Wang, a former adviser to China’s State Council, told BBC Radio 4 that the discussions “went very well” and represented a “good start” toward easing economic tensions.

Trade deals often take years to finalize, but the rapid pace of negotiations under Trump has put pressure on both governments to reach interim agreements. Analysts believe that incremental progress, such as the lifting of rare earth export controls and increased agricultural purchases, could serve as confidence-building measures ahead of a more comprehensive deal.

The US-China relationship remains pivotal to the global economy, with far-reaching implications for supply chains, technology development, and geopolitical stability. Economists warn that while Thursday’s meeting was constructive, the underlying challenges—tariffs, technology restrictions, and market access—remain unresolved.

A Delicate Balancing Act

The meeting highlights the delicate balancing act both leaders must perform. Xi seeks to protect China’s strategic interests and maintain economic stability, while Trump faces domestic pressure to deliver tangible benefits to American workers, farmers, and the tech industry.

As both countries navigate these competing priorities, Thursday’s discussions offer a glimpse into a potential pathway for de-escalation. While a formal trade agreement remains elusive, the symbolic gestures and tentative commitments provide cautious hope that the two economic superpowers can find common ground.

For now, the world watches closely, aware that any progress—or misstep—between Washington and Beijing has the potential to impact economies, markets, and political dynamics far beyond their borders.

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