Published: October 30, 2025
The global spotlight is firmly on Busan, South Korea, this week, as President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping prepare for a highly anticipated upcoming meeting. Scheduled for Thursday, October 30, 2025, on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, this marks their first face-to-face discussions since Trump’s return to the White House for his second term. Amidst persistent ongoing trade tensions and complex US-China trade relations, this summit is poised to address a range of critical economic, strategic, and political issues, aiming for a significant breakthrough or at least setting a new course for the superpowers.
Trade and Tariffs: The Economic Battleground Heats Up
At the core of the discussions will be the ongoing trade war that has characterized much of the relationship between the United States and China. Trade Agreement and Tariffs are unequivocally the central focus. President Trump has expressed optimism about securing a “great deal”, particularly concerning U.S. reducing tariffs on Chinese goods in exchange for China committing to increased purchases of American agricultural products, especially US soybeans.
However, the path to a deal is fraught with challenges. Trump has previously threatened new 100% tariffs on Chinese goods starting November 1, 2025, a direct response to China’s potential export controls on rare earth minerals. Conversely, analysts expect a partial rollback of the 20% punitive tariff the US imposed earlier this year related to fentanyl concerns, and both sides might formalize a reciprocal tariff arrangement, potentially lowering duties to 10% to ease economic pressure. The world watches keenly to see if these trade tensions can finally de-escalate.
Critical Minerals and Public Health: Rare Earths and Fentanyl Front and Center
Beyond broader trade, two specific issues hold significant weight: rare earths and fentanyl. China’s tightening of export controls on rare earth minerals, crucial for diverse US industries from defense to electronics, is a major point of contention. The US aims to reopen the flow of these critical materials to the global market, viewing it as essential for national security and economic stability.
Meanwhile, the US is pressing China for cooperation on curbing the trafficking of fentanyl precursors, which are strongly linked to the devastating rise in opioid overdose deaths in the US. Trump has tied this issue to trade tariffs, suggesting a willingness to reduce tariffs related to fentanyl if China takes stronger action. Expectations are high for a potential partial rollback of the US’s fentanyl-related tariff as a goodwill gesture if China commits to stricter controls on these dangerous chemicals.
Agricultural Sales and Digital Diplomacy: Soybeans and TikTok on the Agenda
The economic dialogue also extends to agriculture and the digital realm. China’s resumption of soybean purchases from the US is a critical expectation, especially after Chinese imports of US soybeans significantly fell due to retaliatory tariffs, impacting American farmers. This move is seen as a key indicator of improving economic relations and a potential outcome of the summit.
In the sphere of digital diplomacy, a framework deal regarding TikTok’s American operations is anticipated to be signaled as making positive progress. Discussions about the ownership and operations of the popular social media platform in the US have been ongoing, and the upcoming meeting is expected to formalize agreements reached in Madrid last month, ensuring its continued operation while addressing US security concerns.
Geopolitical Flashpoints: Taiwan and Ukraine Under Discussion
Beyond economic matters, sensitive geopolitical issues like Taiwan and Russia’s War in Ukraine are also on the table. While President Donald Trump initially indicated Taiwan might not be a primary focus, stating “Taiwan is Taiwan,” it remains a long-standing point of contention—a self-governing democracy claimed by China. The upcoming meeting is likely to touch upon this delicate subject, signaling strategic expectations.
Furthermore, Trump plans to discuss the Russian invasion of Ukraine with Chinese leader Xi Jinping. Washington seeks to pressure major energy buyers like China to limit purchases of Russian oil, which is seen as funding Russia’s war efforts. Despite maintaining a neutral stance publicly, China has deepened its economic ties with Russia since the war began, making this a complex discussion for global stability.
Beyond the Headlines: Broader Strategic Discussions
The Trump-Xi meeting extends beyond immediate crises, serving as a crucial opportunity for strategic guidance and to set strategic expectations for the next phase of the US-China relationship. Broader concerns include addressing the US Trade Deficit and securing greater Market Access for US firms in China. Consular Issues, such as canceled exit visas and detentions of US citizens in China, along with China’s reluctance to accept the return of Chinese citizens living unlawfully in the United States, are also typically raised.
The discussion will also encompass Technological Rivalry and export controls, as well as fostering Strategic Stability and seeking a new regional equilibrium in Asia. In a forward-looking move, there’s also the possibility of discussing cooperation to mitigate growing security risks at the intersection of Nuclear Weapons and Artificial Intelligence, underscoring the comprehensive nature of this first in-person meeting between the two global powers.
Conclusion: Charting a Course for a Complex Relationship
The upcoming meeting between President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping at the APEC summit in Busan, South Korea, on October 30, 2025, is undoubtedly one of the most consequential diplomatic events of the year. From navigating ongoing trade tensions and discussing rare earth minerals and fentanyl cooperation, to addressing soybean purchases, TikTok’s American operations, and sensitive geopolitical issues like Taiwan and Russia’s War in Ukraine, the agenda is packed with high-stakes issues impacting global stability and economic prosperity.
While a comprehensive, lasting resolution to all challenges in US-China trade relations and strategic competition may not be achieved in a single day, this first face-to-face discussions since Trump’s return to the White House offers a vital platform. It’s an opportunity to provide strategic guidance, manage expectations, and potentially find common ground for strategic stability in an increasingly complex world. The outcomes of this meeting will undoubtedly shape international relations for years to come.
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