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US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are set to meet in Busan, South Korea, on October 30, marking their first in-person meeting in six years. The high-stakes summit comes at a pivotal moment as the two global powers seek to navigate their strained ties over trade, technology, and security. While it remains unclear whether the talks will yield any concrete agreements, Trump struck an optimistic tone ahead of the meeting, writing on Truth Social, “Very much looking forward to my meeting with President Xi of China. It will take place in a few hours! — President DJT.” Here are the key issues expected to dominate discussions at the Trump–Xi Busan Summit. Tariffs and the Trade War The growing trade war is at the center of the negotiations between Trump and Xi. As a temporary truce between the two nations ends on November 10, Trump has declared his intention to impose an additional 100% tariff on Chinese imports starting in November. Tariffs could rise to 130% in the absence of a new agreement, widening the economic divide. Both leaders are expected to explore a framework to ease tariffs and restart stalled economic dialogue. Discussions may include rare earth exports, a crucial sector for global technology supply chains, and the future of TikTok’s US operations, which remain under regulatory scrutiny. Ukraine War and China’s Role The ongoing war in Ukraine is expected to feature prominently in Trump’s discussions with Xi. The US hopes Beijing can use its influence over Moscow to help facilitate a ceasefire or broader settlement. American officials, including the US ambassador to NATO, have stressed that China’s cooperation is essential to limiting Russia’s access to oil and dual-use technologies. However, Beijing is likely to tread carefully, seeking to preserve its leverage without fully aligning with either side. Taiwan and Pacific Security Taiwan remains a point of contention between Beijing and Washington. Trump is anticipated to face pressure from China to uphold the One China policy and refrain from implying support for Taiwanese independence. As Japan, South Korea, and Australia continue to strengthen defense coordination with the United States, the summit will also cover Indo-Pacific security. The meeting may help establish new parameters for US-China interaction in this strategically significant area. Fentanyl and Drug Cooperation Another key agenda item is drug control, particularly the flow of fentanyl and its chemical precursors from China to the US, a major source of bilateral tension. China’s foreign ministry has signaled its readiness to cooperate, expressing “sympathy for the fentanyl crisis suffered by the American people.” Washington, in turn, may consider linking partial tariff relief to measurable progress on curbing fentanyl production and exports, one of the few areas where both sides see potential for real cooperation. Technology, AI Chips, and Supply Chains Access to technology and control over semiconductors will also dominate the agenda. China is pushing for the US to lift restrictions on advanced chip exports and help stabilize global supply chains. Beijing has pointed specifically to Nvidia’s plans to expand AI chip exports to China as a potential confidence-building measure. While sweeping breakthroughs are unlikely, both leaders may seek a limited understanding on trade in dual-use technologies, those with both civilian and military applications. Nuclear and Security Dialogue In a potentially historic move, Trump has hinted that he wants to include nuclear arms control in the discussions, citing the growing global risks of proliferation. If realized, it would mark the first formal dialogue between the US and China on future arms limitation frameworks. The topic also connects to regional security concerns, including North Korea’s missile testing program. Trump has suggested that enhanced coordination with Beijing could help reduce tensions on the Korean Peninsula and stabilize the broader region. Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from US News and around the World.
