BUSAN( The COW News Digital) U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping met on Wednesday in the South Korean city of Busan, marking a significant step toward easing trade tensions between the world’s two largest economies. Both leaders expressed optimism about achieving progress on several key commercial issues.
During the meeting, President Trump warmly greeted his Chinese counterpart, saying, “It’s a pleasure to meet you again. I believe this meeting will be a great success. The United States and China have already agreed on many things, and I think we can finalize additional points today.”
The tone of the discussion was notably cordial compared to previous high-stakes encounters between the two leaders. According to diplomatic sources, both sides discussed tariff policies, market access, technology transfers, and currency stability, signaling renewed momentum toward a possible trade framework.
President Xi Jinping, echoing a conciliatory message, said that China and the United States should remain friends, emphasizing the need for open dialogue and cooperation. “Our trade teams have reached consensus on several fundamental issues,” Xi stated. “Both nations must create a favorable environment for mutual development and address issues of shared interest with an open heart.”
Xi also commended President Trump’s diplomatic role in the recent Gaza ceasefire, describing his involvement as “important and constructive.” He added that differences between China and the U.S. are natural, but expressed readiness to continue working closely to strengthen bilateral ties.
Before the meeting, President Trump spoke briefly with reporters, expressing confidence in the talks but also cautioning that Xi remains a “tough negotiator” — a remark he said was “not necessarily a bad thing.”
Analysts say the meeting marks a potential thaw in U.S.–China relations after years of trade disputes, sanctions, and technology restrictions that have strained global markets. The two countries are expected to continue technical-level discussions in the coming weeks to finalize the outline of a new trade agreement.
Experts also note that both leaders have domestic political incentives to demonstrate progress: Trump ahead of the upcoming U.S. elections, and Xi as he seeks to stabilize China’s slowing economy amid mounting international pressures.
While no formal deal has yet been signed, the Busan summit has been hailed as a diplomatic breakthrough that could reset the tone of global economic cooperation heading into 2026.
