Trump to Meet Xi in South Korea Amid Trade Tensions

Strategic Insights -

U.S. President Donald Trump plans to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea, despite earlier threats to cancel the meeting due to trade tensions. The development comes as Trump prepares to visit South Korea later this month, where China's imposition of export controls on rare earths has sparked concern in the U.S. The meeting is set to take place at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in the southeastern city of Gyeongju from October 31-November 1.

Key Takeaways:

  • U.S. President Donald Trump will meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea, with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirming the meeting is still on.
  • The meeting was initially threatened to be canceled due to Trump's criticism of China's imposition of export controls on rare earths.
  • The U.S. has been sensitive to China's restrictions on rare earths, which are critical elements used in the production of electronic devices, weapons systems, and other consumer tech products.
  • The meeting is set to take place during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Gyeongju from October 31-November 1.
  • Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said there has been significant communication between the two sides over the weekend, following China's imposition of the export controls.
  • Trump initially criticized China's move, saying it took an "extraordinarily aggressive position" on trade, but later took a more cautious tone, saying he would meet with Xi regardless.

Statistics:

  • The APEC summit will be held in the southeastern city of Gyeongju from October 31-November 1.
  • The U.S. has been sensitive to China's restrictions on rare earths, which are critical elements used in the production of electronic devices, weapons systems, and other consumer tech products.
  • 1-2: The impractical numbers of how U.S.-China trade disputants also holds’

Sources:

  • Bessent, Scott. "Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent: Trump to Meet Xi in South Korea, Despite Trade Tensions." Fox Business, [No date specified], https://www.foxbusiness.com/?_ga=2.177767971.2039759948.1655671670-1044594998.1655671670