Trump and Xi Jinping meet in South Korea amid trade impasse

In a scenario of growing geopolitical and commercial tension, the president of the United States, Donald Trumpand the Chinese leader, Xi Jinpingmeet this Thursday, October 30, 2025in the port city of Busanin South Korea. This will be the first face-to-face meeting between the two heads of state in six years.

A strategic meeting amid uncertainty

The meeting is scheduled for this Wednesday (29) at 11am (local time) — 11pm Brasília time — and should last between three and four hoursas predicted by the White House. The meeting is the highlight of Trump’s five-day diplomatic trip to Asia, which included visits to Japan, Qatar and by ASEAN cupula in Malaysia.

According to diplomatic sources, the focus of the negotiations will be the attempt to establish a “commercial ceasefire” and discuss strategic issues such as trade in critical minerals, especially rare earths, in addition to the possible reduction of tariffs and commitments to purchase North American products by China — such as soybeans and Boeing aircraft. Also on the agenda is the release of advanced chips by the US and the loosening of Chinese control over rare earth magnets.

Other sensitive topics include the fentanyl crisis, global security cooperation, and issues involving Taiwan, Ukraine and app ownership. TikTokaccording to North American representatives.

Uncertain agreement and risk of escalation

Despite advances in a preliminary approach to understanding, there is no expectation of a formal agreement. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent even stated that the meeting could just be a “corner conversation”. China officially confirmed the meeting only the day before, reinforcing the climate of unpredictability. If there is no progress, Trump threatens to raise tariffs on Chinese products to up to 155% from November 1st, ending the current trade truce. Such a measure would have a direct impact on global supply chains, agricultural trade and the stability of financial markets. Farmers, industrialists and investors are watching closely as China reinforces its defense of a multipolar world and joint efforts for positive results.