President Trump Departs for Washington After Meeting Xi Jinping in South Korea; Hints at Possible Tariff Reduction
President Trump met Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Busan to ease trade tensions and hinted at lowering tariffs linked to fentanyl cooperation. The meeting aimed to stabilize global economic ties.
President Trump Meets Xi Jinping in South Korea; Signals Possible Tariff Reduction Amid Trade Talks
One late one-day affair with the Chinese President in Busan-An equilibrium to settle the coarserly strained trade and security relations between the two largest economies of the world.
The one-hour-and-forty-minute-long face-to-face meeting seems to have been the highlight of Trump’s five-day Asia tour. The two leaders discussed issues ranging from trade tariffs to semiconductor exports to China’s restrictions on rare earth minerals.
Talks Focused on Trade and Global Stability
Both sides may want to first declare some of the contentious problems put in front of them in all bilateral relations. Previously, Trump was optimistic and said he hoped to "reach a deal" with Xi that would stabilize trade relations and bring about certainty into the markets.
Yet there was little by way of an immediate statement from either government following the talks. No briefing was issued at the White House prior to the departing of the Air Force One with Trump on board for the return to Washington.
Trump Hints at Tariff Rollback Linked to Fentanyl Crisis
While en route to South Korea earlier in the day, Trump told reporters he may lower tariffs imposed on China earlier this year, citing Beijing’s cooperation in tackling the fentanyl crisis — a major issue in US domestic policy.
“I expect to be lowering that because I believe they’re going to help us with the fentanyl situation,” Trump said. “The relationship with China is very good.”
Economic Stakes Remain High
The meeting carried added urgency given Trump’s renewed tariff measures since returning to the White House for a second term, and China’s counter-move to restrict exports of critical rare earth elements. Both leaders are understood to share an interest in avoiding further economic escalation that could destabilize global markets.
The Trump-Xi talks took place in Busan, roughly 76 kilometers south of Gyeongju, where the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit was being held.
