Trump to Meet with Xi Jinping in South Korea Top-level trade talks between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping concluded in Busan, South Korea, where the two leaders discussed trade relations between the world’s largest economies. The meeting marked the centerpiece of Trump’s Asia trip, with both sides signaling cautious optimism about reaching a framework for future cooperation.
While in South Korea, Trump also announced that he had directed the Department of Defense to “immediately” begin testing nuclear weapons “on an equal basis,” citing the need to respond to advanced weapons testing by China and Russia. The move drew global attention and concern as it could escalate tensions among major powers.
Throughout his Asia trip, which included stops in Malaysia, Cambodia, and Japan, Trump has touted “groundbreaking agreements” he signed. In South Korea, he met with President Yoon Suk Yeol specifically to finalize a new trade deal.
During the meeting, Trump received notable gifts, including a replica of an ancient gold crown and South Korea’s highest civilian honor, recognizing his efforts as a “peacemaker” in the Korean Peninsula.
Addressing business leaders and government officials at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, Trump highlighted his recent achievements and provided a preview of his highly-anticipated meeting with Xi. He stated, “Everyone is better off when we have stable partnerships, not plagued by chronic problems and imbalances. I think we’re going to have a deal. The world is watching.”
Xi, meanwhile, is said to have raised the issue of Taiwan, urging Trump to clarify the U.S. stance. Trump brushed off the topic, saying, “Taiwan is Taiwan,” and emphasized that U.S. businesses are regaining strength in semiconductor manufacturing.
The Trump-Xi meeting is likely to focus primarily on trade, although the sensitive issue of Taiwan could come into play. Xi is expected to press Trump for a public statement against Taiwan’s independence, marking a departure from the U.S. policy of ambiguity on the issue. Such a statement would be a significant diplomatic victory for China.
However, Secretary of State Marco Rubio dismissed concerns that Trump would make such a concession for a trade agreement, affirming, “No one is contemplating that.” Trump also appeared to play down the topic of Taiwan when speaking to reporters on Air Force One, saying, “I don’t know that we’ll even speak about Taiwan. Taiwan is Taiwan. We’re bringing a lot of their business back to the United States. Within two years, I think we’ll have 40 to 50 percent of the chip market.”
According to Wall Street Journal political reporter Ken Thomas, the Trump administration is optimistic that the meeting will produce a framework agreement with China. This expected deal could involve China tightening regulations on chemicals related to fentanyl production in exchange for the U.S. reducing certain tariffs. Additionally, China may agree to purchase more American soybeans, which would benefit U.S. farmers and alleviate trade tensions between the two countries.
Thomas noted that this meeting should be seen as the starting point for a series of high-level discussions between these economic giants. “We expect Trump to visit Beijing next year and Xi to come to the U.S. afterward,” he said. “This trip is laying the groundwork for future cooperation.”
Always eager to assert his deal-making prowess, Trump thrives on being the focal point of significant diplomatic negotiations.
One unexpected headline came when Trump commented on the possibility of running for a third term, which is prohibited under the Constitution. “It’s pretty clear I’m not allowed to run. It’s too bad,” he said on Air Force One. His statement followed remarks from House Speaker Mike Johnson, who reaffirmed that the 22nd Amendment bars presidents from serving more than two terms.
Trump also praised Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio as “real stars” in the Republican Party, suggesting they could form a “terrific team” in the future.