Trump Expects "Great Deal" with China at APEC Summit

US President Donald Trump expressed optimism on Wednesday in Gyeongju, South Korea, ahead of his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday. Speaking at a business luncheon on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, Trump said he expects to seal a "great deal" with China, which would be beneficial for both countries. This would be the first face-to-face meeting between the two leaders since Trump took office.

Key Takeaways:

• Trump expressed optimism about the upcoming negotiations with Beijing, stating that a trade deal would be good for both countries and "something very exciting for everybody".
• The meeting, which will focus on trade relations and regional economic stability, will be the first between the two leaders since Trump took office.
• Trump has imposed a 20 percent tariff on Chinese goods over what he claims is Beijing's failure to crack down on the flow of chemicals used in making the deadly opioid.
• The anticipated agreement is expected to include lower tariffs on Chinese goods in exchange for Beijing taking steps to curb the production of fentanyl.
• Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun stated that Xi and Trump will have "in-depth communication on issues of strategic and long-term importance to China-U.S. relations".
• The meeting is part of a six-day visit by Trump to Asia, which includes stops in Japan, Malaysia, and South Korea.

Statistics:

• Trump's six-day visit to Asia includes stops in Japan, Malaysia, and South Korea.
• The meeting between Trump and Xi Jinping will be the 10th meeting between the two leaders since 2017.
• A 20 percent tariff has been imposed on Chinese goods over the flow of chemicals used in making the deadly opioid.
• Trump has arrived in South Korea after visiting Japan and Malaysia, marking the final leg of his Asian trip.

Sources:

• United News of India
• China's foreign ministry