The high-stakes agenda for the Trump-Xi talks this Thursday will be dominated by rare earth minerals and the threat of new tariffs.
The two leaders will meet in South Korea during the APEC summit. Speaking from Japan, President Trump was optimistic, saying, “I think it’s going to work out very well.”
The trade war reignited when China imposed rare earth controls. The US retaliated with a 100% tariff threat, effective November 1.
This new flare-up has also seen US port fees on Chinese ships and subsequent countermeasures.
Trump, however, is focused on a positive outcome, calling the “big meeting” fantastic and “great for everybody.”
His entire Asia trip has been building to this moment. His activities in Japan, including meeting with business leaders and PM Sanae Takaichi, were focused on his core message of trade and American economic influence.