Trump Hails ‘Amazing’ Meeting with China’s Xi Amid Trade Discussions
US President Donald Trump described his recent meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping as amazing, sparking optimism for a potential de-escalation of tensions between the two largest economies. Although no formal trade deal was reached, both leaders shared insights that may pave the way for future agreements.
Key Highlights from the Meeting:
– Truce and Trade: In May, a truce was announced following a trade war that had seen tariffs exceeding 100% imposed by both nations. While Thursday’s discussions did not culminate in a formal agreement, there are signs of progress.
– Rare Earths and Agriculture: A notable victory for Trump was China’s commitment to suspend certain export controls on rare earths, essential for technology and defense industries. Additionally, Trump stated that China would start purchasing tremendous amounts of American soybeans and other agricultural products, addressing a critical concern for US farmers impacted by previous tariffs.
– TikTok and National Security: Despite the positive atmosphere, discussions regarding the popular video-sharing app TikTok lacked breakthroughs. The US aims to manage its operations in the US separately from its Chinese owner, ByteDance. China expressed its intention to continue addressing these issues.
– Fentanyl Tariffs: The US also plans to reduce some tariffs concerning materials vital for fentanyl production. However, many existing tariffs—over 40% for US importers—remain intact, indicating ongoing trade complications.
– AI Chip Discussions: The meeting highlighted the importance of technology, with Trump mentioning that Xi would converse with Jensen Huang, head of Nvidia, reflecting the ongoing competition for advanced AI technologies and chips.
– Invitation to Visit: As a gesture of thawing relations, Xi extended an invitation for Trump to visit China in April.
Contrasting Approaches
Despite the productive engagement, divergences in their communication styles were evident—Xi expressed himself with deliberation, while Trump’s remarks were spontaneous and energetic. Observers noted the pressure surrounding the event, with Trump appearing more tense than during previous stops in Southeast Asia.
Henry Wang, a former adviser to China’s State Council, remarked that while a trade deal didn’t materialize, the meeting set a framework and structure, labeling it a good start.
The significance of this meeting lies not just in immediate outcomes but in the potential to reshape the future of China-US relations, underscoring the delicate balance required to navigate complex global trade dynamics.