24-10-2025

China-US Relations: Trade Tensions Ahead of Trump-Xi Meeting

Date: 24-10-2025
Sources: cnbc.com: 2 | edition.cnn.com: 1 | nytimes.com: 1 | scmp.com: 2
Image for cluster 9
Image Prompt:

Diplomats from the US and China shaking hands in front of a backdrop of the flags of both countries, with a subtle hint of tension in their expressions.

Summary

As US President Donald Trump prepares to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping on October 30, both countries are navigating heightened trade tensions and escalating economic sanctions. China has taken a conciliatory tone, expressing willingness to work together, while also showcasing its 'long game' strategy through a new five-year economic blueprint focused on tech innovation and self-reliance. Key issues to be discussed include tariffs, agricultural purchases, and geopolitical flashpoints.

Key Points

  • China's Commerce Minister Wang Wentao expressed a conciliatory tone ahead of the Trump-Xi meeting, stating China's opposition to decoupling from the US.
  • The meeting aims to de-escalate tensions and revive stalled trade negotiations between the two economic superpowers.
  • China's new five-year economic blueprint focuses on reducing reliance on imported high-tech and accelerating tech innovation.
  • China has introduced a system to control the trade of tech products containing rare earths, seen as retaliation against US tariffs and tech restrictions.
  • Chinese scholar Da Wei urged China and the US to refrain from escalating the weaponization of trade amidst rising tensions.

Articles in this Cluster

China strikes conciliatory tone ahead of expected Trump-Xi meeting

China's Commerce Minister Wang Wentao expressed a conciliatory tone ahead of an expected meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump, stating that China opposes decoupling from the US and is willing to work together to address issues on the basis of mutual respect. The meeting is expected to take place on October 30 in South Korea on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit. Chinese officials also emphasized advancing new technology and energy systems as part of future development goals.
Entities: China, US, Wang Wentao, Xi Jinping, Donald TrumpTone: neutralSentiment: positiveIntent: inform

Trump to meet China's Xi for the first time in second term as trade deal remains elusive

US President Donald Trump is set to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in South Korea on October 30. The meeting aims to de-escalate tensions and revive stalled trade negotiations between the two economic superpowers. The trade truce between the US and China is set to expire on November 10, and Trump has set a deadline of November 1 for additional 100% tariffs on Chinese goods. The meeting will be the first in-person encounter between the two leaders since Trump's return to office in January. Analysts expect the meeting to be 'high-risk, high-reward' as both sides try to 'hit the reset button' on their relationship. Key issues to be discussed include tariffs, agricultural purchases, fentanyl flows, and geopolitical flashpoints such as Taiwan.
Entities: Donald Trump, Xi Jinping, Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit, South Korea, The Asia GroupTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

In its rivalry with the US, China sees an advantage: the long game | CNNClose icon

The article discusses China's recent fourth plenum meeting where Chinese leaders formulated the country's next five-year economic blueprint. The plan aims to reduce reliance on imported high-tech, address economic weaknesses, and accelerate tech innovation. Chinese officials see their ability to produce and deliver on long-term plans as a competitive advantage over the US, particularly in the context of their rivalry. The plan is expected to focus on manufacturing, scientific and technological self-reliance, national security, and addressing socioeconomic challenges. Chinese leaders, including Xi Jinping, are confident in their country's continued rise and are using the plan to showcase their 'long game' strategy.
Entities: Xi Jinping, China, US, Communist Party, People's DailyTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

With Power Move on Rare Earths, China Plays Both Victim and Bully - The New York Times

China has introduced a system to control the trade of tech products containing rare earths, a move seen as retaliation against US tariffs and tech restrictions. The measure gives Beijing leverage ahead of a meeting between President Trump and China's leader, Xi Jinping. However, it risks undermining China's image as a reliable trading partner and may backfire, prompting a joint response from the G7 nations. Chinese officials have downplayed the measures, but experts say they are unlikely to be rolled back.
Entities: China, United States, Rare earths, Trade war, TariffsTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

China and US must halt escalating weaponisation of trade, Chinese scholar urges | South China Morning Post

A Chinese scholar, Da Wei, has urged China and the US to refrain from escalating the weaponization of trade amidst rising tensions between the two nations. Da Wei emphasized the need for self-restraint from both sides to move past the recent flare-up in tensions. The comments come as the two countries prepare for a fresh round of negotiations to cool down tensions, which have been escalating with economic sanctions, export controls, and threats of tariff hikes. The upcoming negotiations in Malaysia will focus on issues such as rare earth elements, and may pave the way for a meeting between Presidents Xi Jinping and Donald Trump.
Entities: China, US, Da Wei, Tsinghua University, Bund SummitTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Donald Trump to meet with China’s Xi Jinping next Thursday in South Korea for crunch talks | South China Morning Post

US President Donald Trump is set to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping on October 30 in South Korea, the White House confirmed. The meeting will take place at the end of Trump's trip to Asia, which will include visits to Malaysia and Japan. The talks come amid heightened tensions between the US and China, particularly over trade, with Beijing threatening to tighten its grip on rare earth minerals and Washington warning of increased tariffs and controls on critical software. Trump had briefly considered canceling the meeting due to the trade war flare-up but expressed hope for a comprehensive deal on Wednesday.
Entities: Donald Trump, Xi Jinping, South Korea, China, USTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform