Donald Trump says his meeting with Xi Jinping in South Korea “will work out very well” . [Photo: Reuters]
US President Donald Trump has expressed optimism ahead of his upcoming meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea. Speaking in Tokyo during his Asia trip, Trump said the talks “are going to work out very well,” signalling hopes of progress amid renewed trade tensions between the two countries.
The much-anticipated meeting will take place on the sidelines of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit on Thursday, marking one of the most closely watched diplomatic encounters of the year.
“I will be meeting with President Xi the day after tomorrow. I am going to a wonderful place where I think a lot of you may be going. We are gonna be (having) a fantastic meeting,” Trump told reporters in Japan.
The Trump-Xi meeting comes at a tense time for US-China relations. The United States recently threatened to impose 100% tariffs on Chinese goods starting November 1, in retaliation for China’s new export restrictions on rare earth materials — key components used in electronics, defense, and electric vehicles.
The US has accused China of using rare earth exports as a strategic tool to gain leverage in global trade. In response, Trump’s remarks suggest that Washington still hopes for a diplomatic solution.
“We will be going to South Korea, and the following day I am meeting with President Xi... That's a big meeting, and I think it's going to work out very well, actually. It's gonna be great for everybody,” he added.
According to US officials, Trump and Xi are expected to discuss trade tariffs, technology restrictions, and regional security issues, including tensions in the South China Sea and North Korea.
Trump had earlier hinted that both sides “have a lot to talk about,” suggesting the agenda could cover not just trade but also broader geopolitical concerns.
“I have a lot to talk about with President Xi,” Trump said, adding, “the Chinese leader also has a lot to talk about with us.”
Observers say the meeting could set the tone for future US-China relations, especially as both nations navigate a shifting global economy and competition in advanced technologies.
While Trump’s positive tone has raised hopes for constructive dialogue, analysts believe the threat of fresh tariffs remains a pressure tactic to push Beijing toward concessions. The rare earths dispute could also impact global supply chains, particularly for US tech and defense industries that rely heavily on these materials.
The upcoming meeting in South Korea could therefore serve as both a diplomatic opportunity and a test of strategic resolve for the two economic superpowers.
