Trump and Xi Hold Face-to-Face Talks to Reduce US-China Trade Tensions

U.S. President Donald Trump met with Chinese President Xi Jinping and announced agreements to reduce trade tensions. Trump said he would cut tariffs on Chinese goods, while Beijing will lift rare earth export restrictions and resume U.S. soybean purchases. Both leaders acknowledged differences but expressed willingness to cooperate. Trump plans to visit China in April and invited Xi to the U.S. later this year.

U.S. President Donald Trump returned to Washington on Thursday after holding a closely watched meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, describing the talks as “a success” and announcing a series of steps aimed at reducing trade tensions between the world’s two largest economies.

According to Trump, the discussions resulted in significant progress, including an agreement to cut U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods and a pledge from Beijing to lift restrictions on the export of rare earth minerals. China also agreed to resume large-scale purchases of American soybeans — a move expected to benefit U.S. farmers who had been hit hard by the trade war.

“I thought it was an amazing meeting,” Trump said upon arrival in Washington. “President Xi is a great leader of a very powerful, strong country. It was an outstanding set of decisions.”

The trade dispute between the United States and China escalated several years ago after the Trump administration imposed tariffs on Chinese imports, accusing Beijing of unfair trade practices and failing to curb the sale of chemicals used in producing fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that has fueled an addiction crisis in the U.S.

In response, China tightened export controls on rare earth elements — minerals essential to manufacturing electronics, renewable energy technologies, and military equipment. This retaliation not only affected U.S. industries but also disrupted supply chains in Europe and Asia, drawing international concern.

During their meeting, President Xi acknowledged the ongoing disagreements between the two nations but emphasized that competition should not prevent cooperation. “The U.S. and China do not always see eye to eye,” Xi said, “but it is natural for major economies to have friction. We can help each other succeed and prosper together.”

The two leaders also discussed issues of global stability and mutual economic growth, signaling a willingness to move beyond confrontation. Trump announced that he would travel to China in April to continue talks and invited Xi to visit the United States later this year, underscoring a renewed effort to stabilize and strengthen the relationship between the two powers.

Analysts say the meeting could mark a turning point in U.S.-China relations, offering hope for a more cooperative phase after years of economic and diplomatic strain.