Trump calls Xi a "very tough negotiator" during bilateral talks in Busan

The two leaders greeted each other with a handshake on a red carpet lined with the US and China flags, before beginning discussions largely focused on trade and economic relations. Trump described Xi as a "very tough negotiator," indicating that their dialogue would centre on long-standing economic disputes.

The meeting took place a day before the 2025 APEC Summit, which is set to be held in Gyeongju from October 31 to November 1. Global attention has been on whether Washington and Beijing can ease tensions that have strained bilateral ties in recent months.

Officials from both countries said the talks provided an opportunity to stabilise relations amid ongoing trade friction. Trump's tariff measures and China's restrictions on rare earth exports have contributed to global economic uncertainty, prompting both sides to seek common ground.

Ahead of the meeting, US officials indicated that Trump was unlikely to move forward with his earlier warning to impose a 100 per cent import tax on Chinese goods. Beijing, meanwhile, reportedly showed readiness to relax restrictions on rare earth exports and resume soybean imports from the United States.

While en route to South Korea aboard Air Force One, Trump told reporters he was considering reducing tariffs linked to China's role in fentanyl production. "I expect to be lowering that because I believe that they're going to help us with the fentanyl situation," he said, adding, "The relationship with China is very good."

Before the talks, Trump posted on Truth Social, referring to the meeting as the "G2," highlighting the economic strength of the United States and China relative to other blocs such as the G7 and G20.

According to China's state-run Xinhua news agency, "On the morning of October 30 local time, President Xi Jinping arrived in South Korea by special plane to attend the 32nd APEC informal leaders' meeting and pay a state visit to South Korea at the invitation of President Lee Jae Myung."

Just hours before his meeting with Xi, Trump drew attention by announcing that he had instructed the Department of War to resume testing of America's nuclear weapons.

In a social media post, Trump wrote, "The United States has more Nuclear Weapons than any other country. This was accomplished, including a complete update and renovation of existing weapons, during my First Term in office. Because of the tremendous destructive power, I HATED to do it, but had no choice! Russia is second, and China is a distant third, but will be even within 5 years. Because of other countries testing programs, I have instructed the Department of War to start testing our Nuclear Weapons on an equal basis. That process will begin immediately. Thank you for your attention to this matter!"

The announcement came shortly before his high-stakes bilateral meeting with Xi in Busan, where trade tensions and regional security concerns were expected to dominate discussions. (ANI)