5:16U.S. Head of State Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping greet each other as they depart after a discussion at Gimhae Air Base on October 30, 2025, situated in Busan, South Korea. Trump is encountering Xi for the initial occasion since assuming his second term in office, subsequent to months of heightened strain between the two countries. Andrew Harnik/Getty Images
President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping convened for their initial in-person dialogue in a span of six years, aspiring to conclude a trade conflict that had extended for months. This assembly occurred shortly after Trump declared that the U.S. would "immediately" commence nuclear weapons assessments, a practice it had ceased for over three decades.
The conference at a South Korean air base in Busan lasted roughly 1 hour and 45 minutes. In the lead-up to the gathering, Trump had suggested it might extend for three to four hours.
Both leaders seemed cheerful as they concluded the discussions, exchanging a brief comment and a handshake. Trump is now returning to Washington.
U.S. Head of State Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping greet each other as they depart after a discussion at Gimhae Air Base on October 30, 2025, situated in Busan, South Korea. Trump is encountering Xi for the initial occasion since assuming his second term in office, subsequent to months of heightened strain between the two countries.Andrew Harnik/Getty Images
There was no immediate formal statement summarizing the high-level talks.
They shared a handshake for the press before the meeting and, in concise statements, conveyed optimism regarding the U.S.-China relationship.
President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping shake hands before their meeting at Gimhae International Airport in Busan, South Korea, Oct. 30, 2025.Mark Schiefelbein/AP
"I believe we've already come to terms on numerous points, and we'll concur on additional matters presently, but President Xi is an exceptional leader of a remarkable nation, and I anticipate a superb relationship for an extended duration," Trump stated.
Xi mentioned that since Trump's reelection, the two leaders have communicated via telephone on three occasions.
President Donald Trump and China’s President Xi Jinping shake hands as they arrive for talks at the Gimhae Air Base, located next to the Gimhae International Airport in Busan, October 30, 2025.Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images
"Considering our differing national circumstances, our views don't always align, and it's typical for the globe's foremost economies to experience periodic disagreements," Xi conveyed through an interpreter.
However, he noted that the bond between the two nations remained "generally stable."
President Donald Trump speaks with Chinese President Xi Jinping during a bilateral meeting at Gimhae Air Base on October 30, 2025 in Busan, South Korea.Andrew Harnik/Getty Images
Roughly an hour before the scheduled commencement of the meeting, Trump publicized on his social media outlet, emphasizing U.S. nuclear capability and stating he had directed the Pentagon to recommence nuclear testing on an "equal footing" with other nations' testing programs, which would be initiated "immediately."
The U.S. has "adhered to a voluntary halt on nuclear explosive testing since 1992," according to the Congressional Research Service, while retaining the capacity to recommence tests.
"The United States possesses a greater quantity of Nuclear Weapons than any other nation," Trump mentioned in the post, adding that "Russia is in second place, and China trails considerably, though it will catch up within 5 years."
The post further indicated, "Due to the testing initiatives of other nations, I have instructed the Department of War to initiate our Nuclear Weapons testing on an equivalent basis. This process will commence without delay."
Subsequent to negotiations held in Malaysia earlier in the week, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced that U.S. and Chinese officials had reached an understanding concerning trade discussions. However, the ultimate resolution rests with the two heads of state.
Even with the establishment of temporary agreements and the extension of deadlines, experts suggest that any significant advancement will only afford provisional relief: short-term modifications as opposed to foundational changes in one of the world’s most critical alliances.
President Donald Trump meets with Chinese President Xi Jinping during a meeting on the sidelines of the G-20 summit in Osaka, Japan, June 29, 2019.Susan Walsh/AP
Items on the agenda for discussion
Weeks ago, China declared plans to significantly broaden limitations on rare earth elements – crucial materials for producing computer chips essential in a variety of applications, including smartphones, AI systems, and defense technology. The updated regulations stipulate that international companies must secure Chinese government authorization to export items containing even minute quantities of specific rare earth elements sourced from China.
Bessent indicated that China has consented to postpone these restrictions for a year. Yet, this timeline is limited, unlikely to provide adequate opportunity to develop practical alternatives to China.
Additionally, specialists assert that restrictions on rare earth elements are integral to Beijing’s enduring strategies. Although they may defer these controls, they continue to afford Beijing considerable influence in the years ahead.
The limitations on rare earth exports constitute a component of a "more extensive modification in China's methodology concerning economic diplomacy," noted Neil Thomas, a fellow at the Asia Society Policy Institute's Center for China Analysis.
"It's been examining the U.S. export control system and assimilating insights into the degree of impact a diplomatic instrument can wield. … Beijing aspires for Washington to alleviate its export regulations applicable to China," Thomas elaborated.
A cargo ships sails in Hong Kong, China, October 17, 2025.Tyrone Siu/Reuters
Tariffs will also be a significant subject of conversation.
In reaction to China’s measures on rare earth elements, Trump suggested imposing additional 100% tariffs on China. Bessent states that this potential is no longer under consideration.
However, November 10th represents another key date: the expiry of the 90-day halt on the elevated tariffs imposed by both nations. Bessent anticipates an extension; however, even with this halt, tariffs on items from both nations remain in the double digits.
Earlier in the year, Trump imposed 20% tariffs on China, citing the nation’s failure to take sufficient action against the export of chemicals employed in the production of fentanyl. Trump anticipates reducing these tariffs. The movement of fentanyl precursor chemicals has persisted as an ongoing concern between the U.S. and China.
Bessent communicated that the agreement with China also addresses the grievances of American soybean cultivators. China has sought soybeans from Argentina throughout the trade dispute, intensifying the economic burden on U.S. farmers.
A combine harvests soybeans, October 14, 2025 in Marion, Kentucky.Jan Sonnenmair/Getty Images
Bloomberg and Reuters indicate that China has acquired multiple soybean shipments – its initial procurements from this year’s U.S. harvest. ABC News has sought comments from both the White House and the Treasury Department. While this action could offer temporary relief, the enduring pattern suggests a gradual reduction in China’s reliance on the U.S.
Additionally, the TikTok agreement to maintain the presence of the remarkably popular app in the United States might be finalized during their assembly. On CBS News' "Face the Nation" Sunday, Bessent declared that his "directive was to secure Chinese agreement to endorse the transaction," and he believes "we achieved that objective successfully" during the Malaysian negotiations.
The White House publicized last month that the arrangement would generate a partnership predominantly owned by U.S. investors, with Oracle overseeing the algorithm.
A TikTok app logois displayed on a mobile phone, in Tokyo, Japan.Kiichiro Sato/AP
Some specialists suggest that President Xi is guiding President Trump to signify a shift in U.S. backing for Taiwan, the democratically administered island that Beijing asserts as its own.
Trump minimized the topic, informing reporters that he isn’t sure if they’ll even allude to Taiwan, a region that depends on U.S. political and military assistance.
Furthermore, within the domain of foreign policy, Trump desires Xi to leverage his authority over Russian President Vladimir Putin to assist in concluding the conflict in Ukraine and cease the purchase of Russian energy.
Sourse: abcnews.go.com
