by EMMA WITHROW | Fact Check Team
TOPICS:
WASHINGTON (TNND) — President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping haven't been face-to-face since 2019, when they last saw each other at the G20 Summit in Osaka, Japan. Although they have spoken by phone in June and September, today's meeting carries significant weight as both leaders navigate complex trade and security issues.
On the economic front, President Trump has threatened to impose 100% tariffs on Chinese imports starting Nov. 1 unless a trade deal is reached. In response, China has tightened export controls on rare earths, a critical component in the tech industry. Analysts from the Brookings Institution highlight that Trump is focusing on three key demands: rare earths, fentanyl precursors, and soybeans.
Security concerns also loom large, with some officials in Taiwan worried about becoming a bargaining chip in the negotiations. Despite these concerns, Taiwan's foreign minister assured that ties with the U.S. remain "very stable" ahead of the talks, according to Reuters.
Xi is aligning with other global powers
This meeting is part of a broader context of Xi Jinping's recent diplomatic engagements. Last month, Xi met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Beijing, where they reaffirmed their strong ties. Putin described China as a "dear friend," according to the AP. Both countries endorsed the Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline project, which will deliver up to 50 billion cubic meters of natural gas annually to China via Mongolia, according to a report from Reuters.
Additionally, China hosted the 2025 Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit in late August, where Xi emphasized his exchanges with Russia and other Eurasian states. The Beijing parade commemorating the 80th anniversary of WWII's end in the Asia-Pacific saw the presence of Putin and North Korea's Kim Jong Un, showcasing a significant display of solidarity.
These strategic partnerships with Russia and others provide China with additional negotiating leverage with the U.S., making the Trump-Xi meeting not just about bilateral trade but also a symbol of a broader global power realignment.
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