BUSAN, South Korea: The highly anticipated meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping ended on Thursday after less than two hours, with no immediate comment from either side on progress made in resolving their long-running trade dispute.
The two leaders met face-to-face for the first time in six years on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Gyeongju. Trump departed directly for Air Force One after the meeting, waving and pumping his fist before boarding the plane. Xi left soon after, entering his limousine as the talks concluded.
Trade and Nuclear Testing Dominate Agenda
Before the talks, Trump praised Xi as a “very tough negotiator” and predicted a “fantastic relationship for a long period of time.” Minutes earlier, however, he had announced that he had instructed the Pentagon to resume nuclear weapons testing “on an equal basis” with China and Russia.
Trump’s statement broadened the stakes for the discussions, coming a day after Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a new test of a nuclear-powered underwater drone. Xi, meanwhile, acknowledged the two countries’ differences but stressed the importance of cooperation, saying China and the US should “work together to accomplish more great and concrete things.”
Trade Concerns and Potential Concessions
The leaders discussed tariff reductions, rare earth exports, and agricultural trade, including possible Chinese purchases of American soybeans. Trump also hinted at reducing 20 percent tariffs on fentanyl-related goods, while Beijing could ease restrictions on US commodities to signal goodwill.
Analysts believe small steps — such as removing port fees or easing specific tariffs — could mark early progress. However, with no joint statement issued, uncertainty remains over whether any tangible agreement was reached.
