Donald Trump held talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the APEC summit in South Korea—their first in-person meeting since 2019, during Trump’s first presidential term.
The conversation lasted about an hour and forty minutes. According to the U.S. president, the meeting went “wonderfully” and yielded numerous agreements, though no press conference was held afterward. Aboard Air Force One, Trump described it as “a 12 out of 10.”
At the start of the meeting, he called Xi Jinping “a friend” and “a great leader” whom he was “fortunate” to meet again. The Chinese leader, in turn, said he retained “warm” memories of their previous interactions, adding that despite differences, Beijing and Washington must remain “partners and friends.”
Following the talks, Trump announced a one-year trade agreement that will be automatically renewed. He said the signing is expected “soon,” as “almost all major differences have been resolved.” Under the deal, the United States will reduce tariffs on Chinese goods by 10 percentage points—from 57 to 47%.
Trump also said that “all issues related to rare earth metals” had been resolved. China controls most of the world’s mining and production of these materials and recently tightened export rules, heightening tensions with Washington. Now, according to the U.S. president, Beijing plans to partially lift those restrictions.
The two sides also focused on the war in Ukraine. Trump stated that the United States and China had agreed to “work together” on the issue.
He added that he plans to visit China in April, with Xi Jinping expected to make a return visit to the United States later. The meeting concluded Trump’s Asian tour, which included stops in Malaysia, Japan, and South Korea.
Trump’s Asian Tour

Washington Returns to Personal Diplomacy

Trump’s Asian Tour Reflects U.S. Efforts to Maintain Influence in the Region and Define the Framework of Relations with Beijing

Trump Helps Broker an End to the Armed Conflict Between Thailand and Cambodia

During His Asian Tour, He Strengthens His Peacemaker Image and Prepares for a Meeting with Xi Jinping

Trump and Takaichi Showcase Unity Amid Trade Confrontation with China

Japan Accelerates Military Spending and Backs Washington’s Peace Initiatives

The state-run Xinhua News Agency published a brief statement following the meeting. It quoted Xi as saying that “China’s development and rejuvenation are not at odds with President Trump’s goal of making America great again” and that both countries can “achieve shared success and prosperity.”
Ahead of the talks, Trump announced that he had instructed the Pentagon to “immediately” resume nuclear weapons testing, which had been halted in 1992. He explained that the move was in response to similar actions by other powers: “Because of the immense destructive power, I hated to do it, but I had no choice! Russia is second, and China is a distant third—but it’ll catch up within five years.”
After the meeting with Xi, Trump told reporters that he was seeking nuclear disarmament, in which China should also take part. “I think de-escalation—or as they call it, denuclearization—would be an amazing thing. We’re already discussing it with Russia. If progress is made, China will join as well,” he said.