High-Stakes in Busan: Trump and Xi's Trade Truce Attempt

In a high-stakes meeting at a South Korean air base, U.S. President Donald Trump and China's leader Xi Jinping engaged in discussions aimed at achieving a truce in the ongoing trade war between the two economic giants. This encounter marked the first between the leaders since Trump's return to office and concluded a rapid series of diplomatic visits across Asia.

As Trump and Xi shook hands, the U.S. president expressed confidence in the success of the negotiations, although he characterized Xi as a formidable negotiator. Both leaders acknowledged the frictions inherent in their nations' diplomatic relations, emphasizing the importance of addressing major concerns to strengthen China-U.S. ties.

Despite optimism for a trade agreement at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, complexities remain. The resurgence of trade tensions, particularly surrounding China's proposed rare-earth export controls and U.S. tariff threats, highlights the fragility of the proposed détente. The talks are closely monitored worldwide given their implications for international trade and political stability.