Trump Rates Meeting with Xi ’12 Out of 10′ as Tariffs Lowered

During a significant meeting in South Korea, President Donald Trump rated his nearly two-hour discussion with Chinese leader Xi Jinping as “a 12 out of 10.” The meeting, which took place in Busan, was characterized by Trump as friendly and productive, marking a crucial moment in U.S.-China relations. It concluded Trump’s week of diplomatic engagements across the Indo-Pacific region.

Key Outcomes from the Meeting

Trump indicated that he and Xi “agreed to almost everything” during their discussions, which included notable decisions on trade and tariffs. Specifically, the two leaders agreed to lower tariffs on Chinese exports from 57% to 47%, a move Trump attributed to Xi’s commitment to combat the trafficking of fentanyl. “I believe he’s going to work very hard to stop the death that’s coming in,” Trump stated.

In a bid to revive agricultural trade, China will recommence purchasing soybeans from the United States, a pause that has negatively impacted American farmers. Additionally, Trump announced that China’s earlier decision to restrict exports of rare earth minerals, which he termed a “roadblock,” would be lifted for one year. In return, the U.S. will reduce some of its own export restrictions.

The White House has yet to provide a comprehensive summary of the meeting or detailed information regarding the updates to the trade agreement. Trump confirmed plans to visit China in April 2025 for further discussions, with Xi set to visit the U.S. afterward.

Reactions and Broader Context

Following the meeting, Xi emphasized the importance of avoiding a “vicious cycle of mutual retaliation” between the two countries. He acknowledged the normalcy of “frictions” in U.S.-China relations but urged for a collaborative approach. “You and I at the helm of China-U.S. relations should stay the right course,” Xi remarked.

Moreover, Xi expressed appreciation for Trump’s role in recent peace efforts in the Middle East. He underscored that both nations should be “partners and friends,” aligning with historical lessons and current realities.

While the discussion covered various topics, including the ongoing war in Ukraine and the implications of China’s oil purchases from Russia, some critical issues were notably absent. Issues surrounding Taiwan, a contentious topic for China, were not raised during the meeting, nor was there mention of a potential deal involving the social media app TikTok.

As Trump returned to Washington on Air Force One, he shared a post on his platform, Truth Social, claiming that China had also agreed to purchase American energy, hinting at potential deals involving oil and gas from Alaska. He stated that discussions would involve Chris Wright, Secretary of Energy, and Doug Burgum, Secretary of the Interior, to explore the feasibility of such agreements.

This meeting marks the first in-person encounter between Trump and Xi in six years, highlighting the ongoing efforts to stabilize and improve bilateral relations. The significance of this dialogue, especially in the context of global economic and geopolitical dynamics, cannot be overstated as both nations navigate their complex partnership.