Donald Trump and Xi Jinping at the G20 Summit, 2017, Photo: Xinhua / Eyevine / Profimedia
President Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping met face-to-face for the first time in six years in an attempt to find a truce in a fierce battle between the two superpowers over trade and technology.
Trump, who appeared relaxed for much of this trip, appeared tense this morning, writes the BBC's North America correspondent.
A fragile truce in May reduced retaliatory tariffs that had far exceeded 100 percent on both sides by then.
But tensions have resurfaced over Beijing's access to chips and US access to rare earths.
Beijing “escalated to de-escalate” – and Xi entered this meeting with a strong hand, writes the BBC correspondent in China
Analysts expect a final deal to sell Chinese-owned TikTok's US operations and some stability in the volatile relationship between the world's two biggest powers.
Ahead of the meeting, Trump ordered the US War Department to begin testing US nuclear weapons “immediately” on the Truth Social website.
The US will make an announcement that will be a “resounding victory” for American farmers after the Trump-Xi meeting, the US president added.
In a post on X, Scott Bessent praised Trump, saying he “shows what successful American leadership is all about.”
The resumption of soybean trade is expected to be a key talking point in President Trump's talks with President Xi.
In a hopeful sign, Beijing bought the first tranche of US soybeans this season, Reuters reported on Wednesday.
If a deal is struck, it would be a huge win for Trump and American farmers.
China was the world's largest buyer of soybeans but stopped ordering from the US as the trade war intensified.
Police are on high alert in front of the Trump-Xi meeting site,
Outside the summit venue, the area around Gimhae Airport is under heavy surveillance to keep any potential protesters at bay.
This morning, a pro-US and anti-China YouTuber's broadcast vehicle, equipped with loudspeakers, approached the intersection where President Xi's motorcade is supposed to pass after the summit.
He was quickly blocked by dozens of police and forced to turn back.
Trump, who appeared relaxed for much of this trip as he was showered with gifts and praise from a series of foreign leaders, appeared tense this morning — a reflection of the high stakes of today's meeting.
As Xi spoke, his face was a mask.
Trump had expressed optimism about the meeting as recently as yesterday, but when asked by a reporter if he thought there would be an agreement signed today, his response was only “could be.”
