US President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping met for the first time in six years, sparking renewed hope of easing tensions between the world’s two largest economies. Trump called the meeting in South Korea “amazing,” while Beijing said both leaders had reached a consensus to resolve “major trade issues.” Relations have been fraught since Trump imposed sweeping tariffs on Chinese imports, prompting Beijing’s swift retaliation. Although a truce was reached in May, both sides continued to clash over trade policies.
The talks produced no formal agreement but hinted at meaningful progress. Negotiations behind closed doors have dragged on for months, as each side defends national interests. Trade deals often take years, but Trump’s aggressive tariff policies have forced countries to act fast. Many of the affected partners are in Asia, where Trump has been touring to strengthen his economic position.
China eases rare earth limits and promises new farm imports
China agreed to remove export restrictions on rare earth minerals used in everything from electric cars to fighter jets. The decision was seen as a key concession to Washington. Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump said China would also begin purchasing “tremendous amounts of soybeans and other farm products.” Beijing’s tariffs had previously halted those imports, hurting American farmers — a vital group of Trump supporters.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said China would buy 12 million metric tonnes of soybeans this season and a minimum of 25 million tonnes annually for the next three years. Following the meeting, Washington confirmed it would ease some tariffs on ingredients used in fentanyl production. Trump has long accused China, Canada, and Mexico of not doing enough to stop the drug’s flow into the US.
Sean Stein, president of the US-China Business Council, called the progress on rare earths and tariffs the most positive outcome of the talks. He said businesses would now have more time to cooperate with both governments on long-standing issues. Yet many tariffs remain in place, meaning US importers still face costs of more than 40 percent on Chinese goods.
For China, the meeting also opened new communication channels. Trump announced that Xi could soon speak with Jensen Huang, head of US tech company Nvidia. The firm lies at the center of the ongoing struggle over AI chip technology. While China seeks access to advanced processors, Washington continues to block them on security grounds. Xi also invited Trump to visit China in April, signaling a potential warming of ties. Still, no progress was made on TikTok, which remains under US scrutiny.
Xi stays composed as Trump pushes for momentum
The meeting revealed clear differences in leadership style. Xi remained calm, speaking from carefully prepared notes. China entered the discussions with confidence, having reduced its reliance on the US and deepened trade ties elsewhere. After the talks, Xi said both countries would focus on results that act as a “reassuring pill” for their economies.
Trump, by contrast, appeared more tense than during earlier stops on his Asia trip. The atmosphere was subdued — gone were the grand welcomes and glittering venues. The meeting took place in a heavily guarded airport building behind barbed wire and police checkpoints. Yet inside, the 80-minute conversation became the most significant moment of Trump’s visit.
Henry Wang, a former adviser to China’s State Council, said the discussions “went very well.” While no trade deal was finalized, he said both sides had created “a framework and structure” for future progress. He called it “a good start” toward rebuilding trust and reshaping one of the world’s most important economic partnerships.
