Busan, South Korea: After a gap of six years, U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping held a high-profile meeting in Busan, signaling a potential thaw in relations between the world’s two largest economies.
The meeting, held on the sidelines of an international summit, marked a significant moment in U.S.-China diplomacy. During the talks, President Trump expressed optimism about the progress made so far, stating that “many issues between the United States and China have already been resolved, and we hope to reach agreement on more matters today.”
Trump added that he was pleased to meet President Xi again and emphasized Washington’s commitment to building long-term, stable, and mutually beneficial relations with Beijing. He also hinted at the possibility of a new trade deal, suggesting that both sides were “closer than ever” to a breakthrough.
President Xi, in his remarks, called for mutual respect and cooperation, saying that China and the U.S. should “be friends, not rivals.” He stressed the importance of maintaining open dialogue on all matters of mutual concern, noting that “the two countries’ trade teams have already reached consensus on several key points.”
Xi further stated that both nations should work toward creating a stable environment for growth and development, which would not only benefit China and the U.S. but also the global economy.
Acknowledging recent developments in global diplomacy, President Xi praised President Trump’s role in the Gaza ceasefire, describing it as an “important contribution to regional peace.” He added that China also remains committed to promoting dialogue and peaceful solutions to conflicts around the world.
During the meeting, Xi acknowledged that differences between Beijing and Washington were “natural,” but emphasized that such disagreements should not hinder progress in bilateral cooperation. “We are ready to continue working with you to strengthen the foundation of U.S.-China relations,” Xi said.
Before the meeting, both leaders posed for photographs and exchanged a brief handshake upon Trump’s arrival in Busan, marking a cordial start to the discussions.
Diplomatic observers noted that the meeting could pave the way for renewed trade and security cooperation, especially after years of escalating tensions over tariffs, technology competition, and geopolitical disputes in the Indo-Pacific.
