BUSAN, South Korea: US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping will hold a high-stakes bilateral meeting on Thursday in Busan on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) gatherings, Beijing and White House said.
China’s foreign ministry spokesman said the two leaders would have “in-depth communication on strategic and long-term issues concerning China-US relations, as well as major issues of common concern”.
The spokesman said that Beijing hoped the talks would yield “positive outcomes” and inject new momentum into US-China bilateral ties.
Trump optimistic about a deal
Trump told business leaders and reporters on the APEC sidelines that he expected a “great deal” and a “very good outcome” from talks with Xi, signalling US willingness to negotiate on tariffs in return for Chinese concessions on issues such as fentanyl precursors.
The US President described the potential agreement with China as “something very exciting for everybody.”
Key issues expected on the agenda
Officials and analysts say the meeting is likely to focus on a handful of pressing economic and security questions — including US tariffs on Chinese goods, controls on rare earths and strategic materials, and co-operation to curb the flow of chemicals used to make fentanyl.
According to media reports, the Trump-Xi talks may touch on agricultural purchases, investment measures and technology-sector frictions.
Wider context and investor interest
Markets and investors have watched the summit closely for signs the two sides might roll back recent trade friction.
Media reports said Beijing had already taken conciliatory steps, including state purchases of US soybeans, while both capitals signalled pragmatism ahead of the meeting.
The meeting in Busan is the first face-to-face meeting between Xi and Trump since 2019 and comes amid a busy APEC calendar in South Korea, where leaders are also discussing regional economic cooperation and security issues.
Chinese state media and the foreign ministry termed the meeting as a strategic, head-of-state engagement intended to guide bilateral relations.
US domestic and allied dimensions
Trump, who is on a multi-country Asia trip, has also said he has “pretty much finalised” a trade arrangement with South Korea and flagged planned concessions on tariffs for autos.
Seoul meanwhile has sought greater clarity over US investment and trade commitments as part of broader alliance discussions.
Both Beijing and Washington have so far provided only broad outlines of the talks, and concrete terms — should any be agreed — are expected to be released only after leaders conclude their discussions.
Chinese officials said details would be provided “in due course.”
