Trump and Xi Meet in Busan: Trade Tensions and Nuclear Talk

US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping held a significant meeting in Busan, South Korea, aiming to address trade tensions and improve bilateral ties. Discussions also touched upon sensitive topics like nuclear weapons testing, as the two leaders sought common ground ahead of the APEC Summit.

In a pivotal moment for global diplomacy, U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping convened in Busan, South Korea, marking their first in-person meeting since Trump's second commencement in the Oval Office. The summit, preceding the 32nd APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting, saw both leaders engage in crucial discussions focusing on trade and economic relations, amid a backdrop of red-carpet ceremony flanked by American and Chinese flags.

With the world watching closely, the meeting unfolded just a day shy of the 2025 APEC Summit in Gyeongju. The dialogue provided a crucial platform for both nations to address ongoing tensions that have complicated bilateral relations. Notably, Trump's tariff policies and China's rare earth export limits have spurred uncertainty on global markets, leading to an earnest search for diplomatic solutions.

Before embarking on Air Force One, Trump hinted at possible tariff reductions related to China's involvement in fentanyl production, indicating a potential shift in economic strategy. Meanwhile, Beijing signalled readiness to ease export restrictions and resume significant agricultural imports. In a bold social media statement, Trump drew attention to nuclear arsenals, promising to resume testing U.S. nuclear weapons, framing it within the context of global security concerns.

(With inputs from agencies.)