Trump’s Upcoming Meeting with Xi Jinping

During his trip to Asia, President Donald Trump expressed optimism about his forthcoming meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping amid ongoing trade discussions. He mentioned this at a business leaders’ event hosted at the U.S. ambassador’s residence in Tokyo.

“We’re heading to South Korea, and the next day, we’ll meet with President Xi. I believe it’s a crucial meeting, and I think it will go quite well,” Trump stated on Tuesday.

Meeting Details

The White House confirmed that Trump will meet Xi on Thursday during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit. This meeting arrives at a time when the two nations are facing significant tensions concerning trade.

Recently, these tensions heightened after China announced new export restrictions on rare earth magnets used in various products, including electric vehicles and F-35 fighter jets. In retaliation, Trump proclaimed that the U.S. would impose 100% tariffs on all Chinese goods, with the new tariffs slated to start on Saturday.

Optimism Amid Tensions

Despite this escalating situation, Trump has downplayed the conflicts, praising his relationship with Xi in recent weeks. He remains confident that suitable resolutions will be reached for both countries.

“I think we’re going to do very well, and everyone will be pleased,” Trump remarked on Thursday.

It’s worth noting that the two leaders haven’t met in person since Trump took office in January. The last encounter occurred in Japan back in June 2019.

Trump’s Asia Tour

As Trump continues his journey in Asia, he has already visited Malaysia and Japan. His final stop before returning to Washington will be South Korea.

Earlier on Tuesday, he engaged with U.S. military officials aboard the USS George Washington in Yokosuka, Japan, where Secretary of the Army Pete Hegseth and Japan’s newly elected Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi were also present.