America and the Chinese government have been locking horns. But no expected this.
Because China got on hands and knees to beg Trump for a truce.
Breakthrough in U.S.-China Trade Relations
Following a pivotal summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping, President Trump announced a significant agreement, marking a turning point in U.S.-China trade dynamics. The nearly two-hour meeting, held at a South Korean air base, was described by Trump as exceeding expectations.
“On the scale of 0 to 10, with 10 being the best, I would say the meeting was a 12,” he shared with reporters aboard Air Force One. The deal, which Trump noted will be renegotiated annually, is poised to stabilize trade tensions. “We have a deal. I think the deal will go on for a long time,” he stated, highlighting its potential longevity.
A key outcome is China’s commitment to pause its new export restrictions on rare-earth and critical minerals for one year, averting disruptions to global supplies of high-tech magnets, batteries, and semiconductors.
This move sidesteps Trump’s threatened 100% tariff on Chinese goods, originally set for November 1. “There’s no roadblock at all on rare earth,” Trump emphasized, expressing confidence in routine extensions of the agreement.
Fentanyl Crackdown and Agricultural Commitments
The summit also yielded progress on curbing fentanyl exports, a major U.S. concern given the drug’s devastating toll, with nearly 330,000 American deaths over the past five years. Trump revealed that Xi agreed to intensify efforts to halt fentanyl flows, with the U.S. reducing its 20% fentanyl tariff on Chinese goods to 10%, lowering the average tariff from 57.6% to 47.6%.
“On fentanyl, we agreed that he was going to work very hard to stop the flow… I think you’re going to see a big difference,” Trump said, referencing China’s renewed commitment to stricter enforcement.
Additionally, Xi pledged to resume purchasing “tremendous amounts of soybeans” after halting imports in retaliation for earlier tariffs.
In a Truth Social post, Trump added, “China also agreed that they will begin the process of purchasing American Energy,” hinting at a potential large-scale oil and gas transaction from Alaska. These agricultural and energy commitments signal a warming of economic ties.
Geopolitical Cooperation and Summit Dynamics
Beyond trade, the leaders explored collaboration on global issues, notably the Russia-Ukraine war. “Ukraine came up very strongly. We talked about it for a long time,” Trump noted, indicating a shared interest in resolving the conflict, though Russian oil exports to China were not addressed.
The summit, marked by a warm handshake and mutual expressions of goodwill, saw Xi state, “China’s development goes hand in hand with your vision to make America great again.” He added, “Our two countries are fully able to help each other succeed and prosper together.”
While the TikTok deal in the U.S. was not discussed, nor was Taiwan, the leaders’ nearly two-hour private discussion underscored a productive dialogue. Trump called it “an amazing meeting,” with Xi reinforcing partnership: “Over the years I have stated in public many times that China and the United States should be partners and friends.”
The agreements, built on a framework from prior U.S.-China talks in Kuala Lumpur, set the stage for Trump’s planned visit to China in April, signaling a renewed push for cooperation.
