What went down in Trump and Xi's nearly 2-hour talk on APEC sidelines: Video
US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping ended their high-stakes meeting on Thursday without offering any details about its outcome, skipping the customary press briefing that usually follows such diplomatic talks.
The closed-door session lasted 1 hour and 40 minutes, less than half of the four hours initially expected.
Both leaders departed the South Korean air force base adjacent to Gimhae International Airport in Busan mum on the outcome. Though, Trump leaned in to whisper something to Xi before boarding his motorcade.
It was only aboard Air Force One that the home-bound Trump disclosed details of their discussion, revealing that both sides had agreed to ease trade tensions, though no formal deal was signed.
Trump described the talks as a “12 out of 10” and said an agreement could come soon, with plans for reciprocal visits in 2026.
He also announced a cut in fentanyl-related tariffs from 20% to 10%, saying he trusted Xi to curb the export of chemicals used to make the deadly opioid.
China also agreed to resume large-scale US soybean purchases, a move welcomed by American farmers.
Xi further offered a one-year suspension of rare earth export curbs, helping calm global supply concerns. Both leaders also said they would “work together” to seek a resolution to the war in Ukraine.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
