Trump–Xi Meeting Signals Possible U.S.–China Trade Deal; Positive Talks Held in Busan

A meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping has signaled the possibility of a trade agreement between the two major economies. The talks were held ahead of the 2025 APEC Summit in Busan, South Korea.

When asked by reporters about a potential trade deal, President Trump expressed optimism, saying both nations have reached a mutual understanding.

“We have an excellent understanding. Our relationship will remain wonderful for a long time,” he said, while also describing President Xi as a “tough and skilled negotiator.”

President Xi noted that economic teams from both countries have reached a basic consensus on key issues, which helped make the Busan talks smoother and more productive.

“We have achieved progressive results on major concerns. Today’s discussion will strengthen China–U.S. relations and create a positive environment for the development of both nations,” Xi said.

Trade tensions between the U.S. and China have escalated in recent months. Earlier this month, China imposed new export restrictions, prompting the U.S. to issue warnings about software and technology export controls.

Ahead of the talks, the U.S. placed several issues on the agenda, including curbing the illegal supply of fentanyl, forcing TikTok’s separation from ByteDance, tariff rates, technology restrictions, and rare mineral trade policies.

The APEC Economic Leaders’ Summit is scheduled for October 31 to November 1 in Gyeongju, South Korea. The Trump–Xi meeting, held just before the event, is seen as a crucial step toward reducing bilateral tensions and restoring stability in global trade relations.