Trump Sees “Fantastic Relationship” With Xi During Korea Summit
U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday said he expects a “fantastic relationship” with Chinese President Xi Jinping, as the two met in South Korea for their first face-to-face encounter in six years. President Trump called Xi “a great leader of a great country” and expressed optimism about long-term ties. Meanwhile, President Xi emphasized that while the two nations won’t always agree, they should act as “partners and friends” and keep their relationship on a constructive path.
Context and substance
The meeting took place in Busan, on the sidelines of the APEC 2025 Summit, amid heightened U.S.–China trade tensions and strategic rivalry. Both sides signalled readiness to settle key economic issues such as rare-earth exports and tariffs, though details remain pending. The last in-person summit between the two leaders was in 2019.
Strategic outlook
While the tone of this summit struck a more amicable note, substantial differences remain between the U.S. and China on trade, technology, and security. Observers note that language of “fantastic relationship” serves more as a diplomatic overture than a guarantee of resolution. Both capitals appear to be probing for a path to stabilise ties without compromising core interests.
