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 could reduce long-standing tensions. Trump described the talks in South Korea as “amazing,” while Beijing said both sides had agreed to tackle “major trade issues.” Relations have been strained since Trump imposed heavy tariffs on Chinese imports, prompting swift retaliation. A brief truce in May failed to resolve deeper conflicts.
While no formal trade deal emerged, both leaders suggested progress. Negotiators have spent months trying to bridge differences over trade and technology. Trade agreements usually take years, but Trump’s aggressive tariffs forced faster responses. Many affected nations are in Asia, where Trump has spent the past week pursuing economic leverage.
China lifts rare earth restrictions and resumes US farm purchases
China agreed to remove export limits on rare earth minerals, essential for smartphones, electric vehicles, and defense technology. The move marked a symbolic win for Trump. Speaking aboard Air Force One, he said China would immediately begin buying “tremendous amounts of soybeans and other farm products.” Retaliatory tariffs from Beijing had nearly halted these imports, harming American farmers — a key part of Trump’s political support.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed that China would purchase 12 million metric tonnes of soybeans this season and commit to at least 25 million tonnes annually for the next three years. Following the meeting, Washington also announced it would ease some tariffs on chemicals linked to fentanyl production, a drug issue Trump has long blamed China and other countries for.
Sean Stein, president of the US-China Business Council, said the progress on rare earths and tariffs represented the most important outcome of the talks. He noted it provided businesses with stability to address long-standing trade challenges. Still, many tariffs remain, leaving US importers paying over 40 percent in taxes on Chinese goods.
Beijing also gained diplomatic openings. Trump revealed that 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 over security concerns. Xi also invited Trump to visit China in April, signaling warmer relations. However, no breakthrough occurred on TikTok, whose US operations remain under scrutiny.
Xi stays composed while Trump seeks results
The meeting highlighted a stark contrast between the two leaders. Xi remained calm and precise, 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 visit.
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 sides had built “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.
