‘Partners and friends’: Xi strikes conciliatory tone as he meets Trump in South Korea

Chinese President Xi Jinping urged making the U.S. and China “partners and friends” as he met President Donald Trump for their first in-person talks since Trump’s second term began, focused on trade and tariffs. Trump predicted a “very successful meeting” and said a deal “could be,” while Xi called frictions “normal” and pressed for steady ties. The agenda spans fentanyl flows, TikTok’s divestiture, tariffs, tech curbs and rare earths amid fresh export restrictions. Analysts expect a tactical pause, not a breakthrough. Trump’s call to restart U.S. nuclear testing drew notice, and markets watched cautiously.

Reviewed by JQJO team

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