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President Donald Trump predicted his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping would prove beneficial to ongoing trade negotiations between the two countries during Trump’s trip to Asia.
“We’re going to go to South Korea and, the next day, meet with President Xi…it’s a great meeting and I think it’s going to go very well, actually,” Trump said at an event for business leaders at the U.S. ambassador’s residence in Tokyo on Tuesday.
TRUMP TRIBUNALIST JAPAN’S EMPEROR AND NEW PM AHEAD OF HIGH-Stakes XI SUMMIT THIS WEEK
President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping make joint statements at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, November 9, 2017. (Jonathan Ernst/Reuters)
The White House announced that Trump would meet with Xi on Thursday at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit.
The meeting between the two leaders coincides with a face-to-face meeting between the two countries on trade issues.
Tensions flared after Beijing announced on October 9 that it would impose export controls on rare earth magnets, which are used in products such as electric cars and F-35 fighter jets. In turn, Trump said the United States would impose new 100% tariffs on all Chinese products, which are expected to take effect on Saturday.
Trump flies to Asia as North Korea fires ballistic missiles and trade issues with China loom
Chinese President Xi Jinping reviews the guard of honor during the welcoming ceremony of King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain at the Great Hall of the People May 31, 2024 in Beijing, China. (Tingshu Wang/Pool/Getty Images)
However, Trump has sought to downplay any tension and has praised his relationship with Xi in recent weeks. He also expressed confidence that the United States and China would leave the meeting satisfied and that they would reach an agreement.
“I think we’re going to do very well and everyone will be very happy,” Trump said Thursday.
Trump and Xi have not met in person since Trump took office in January. They had previously met in person in June 2019 in Japan.
Trump’s attention turns to Japan and South Korea as his Asia trip continues
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and U.S. President Donald Trump speak to troops aboard the USS George Washington during Yokosuka Fleet Activities October 28, 2025 in Yokosuka, Japan. (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)
Trump left for Asia on Friday and visited Malaysia and Japan. His last stop is South Korea, before returning to Washington.
Earlier Tuesday, Trump spoke to U.S. service members aboard the aircraft carrier George Washington in Yokosuka, Japan. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth was also in attendance, as was newly elected Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.
