Trump will meet XI? Media: Probably at the end of the year

The leaders of the US and China, Donald Trump and Xi Jinping will probably meet before or during this year's APEC summit, which will take place from October 30 – November 1 in South Korea – the daily South China Morning Post said on Monday, citing “many sources”.

South Korean media previously reported that the Chinese leader plans to take part in the peak of the Economic Community of Asia and the Pacific (APEC) in Gyeongju, while the presence of Trump has not yet been confirmed.

However, “SCMP” informants point out that Trump could go to China before traveling to South Korea.

The newspaper reminds that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed after the first direct meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the PRC Wangu Yi this month “strong desire for both sides” to organize the summit of the heads of states. In addition, both leaders invited each other to submitting state visits.

Experts cited by “SCMP” emphasize that the meeting is crucial for the development of US-China relations and can contribute to breaking the deadlock in matters of trade and duties and fentanyl. From the perspective of Beijing, it would create an opportunity to put pressure on Washington regarding the abolition of technological restrictions.

Experts, however, warn that a number of factors may make the meeting not come, e.g. because of Taiwan. The transit of the Taiwanese president Laia Ching-Te by the US has already met the condemnation of the PRC authorities. “SCMP” interlocutors also suggest that Trump cares more about this meeting than XI, which gives the Chinese negotiating advantage. (PAP)

KRP/ AP/