With a November 1 deadline for new 100% tariffs on Chinese goods approaching, US President Donald Trump is touting an upcoming “fantastic meeting” with China’s Xi Jinping.
Speaking in Japan on Tuesday, Trump confirmed the “big meeting” would take place in South Korea on Thursday. “I think it’s going to work out very well,” he said, striking a hopeful tone.
The leaders are meeting during the APEC summit, a forum Trump has used to discuss global trade. The meeting is critical, as it comes after a recent escalation in the trade war between the two economic giants.
The US tariff threat was a direct response to China imposing tight export controls on its rare earth minerals. The dispute also includes new US port fees and subsequent Chinese countermeasures.
President Trump appeared to brush off the recent friction, forecasting a positive outcome that would be “great for everybody.” He also signaled that the agenda would be full, saying both leaders have “a lot to talk about.”