Trump May Meet Xi Ahead of APEC as U.S.-China Tariff War Nears Critical Deadline
Trump May Meet Xi Ahead of APEC as U.S.-China Tariff War Nears Critical Deadline| Image via The Hindu
Washington/Beijing, July 20 (The Trending People): Former U.S. President Donald Trump may travel to China or meet Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, scheduled between October 30 and November 1, according to a report by the South China Morning Post.
Citing multiple diplomatic sources, the report suggests that discussions are underway between Washington and Beijing about a high-level bilateral meeting, as both countries attempt to resolve an escalating tariff standoff that has disrupted global trade, production, and supply chains.
Deadline Looms: August 12
Trump, who is expected to be the Republican nominee in the 2024 U.S. Presidential election, has set August 12, 2025, as the deadline for finalizing a durable tariff agreement with China. This self-imposed cutoff reflects his increasingly aggressive push to reshape American trade policy and pressurize Beijing into concessions.
The Trump camp has remained tight-lipped about the reported plans. A spokesperson declined to comment on the possibility of a fall meeting with Xi Jinping.
A Hardline Stance on Imports
Trump’s economic policy, both during his presidency and on the campaign trail, has revolved around prioritizing American manufacturing. He has proposed a universal base tariff of 10% on all imported goods, irrespective of origin, and even higher tariffs for so-called "problematic" countries, with China topping that list. Currently, Chinese imports face an effective tariff rate of 55%, the highest among all U.S. trade partners.
Supporters of this policy argue it will revive domestic manufacturing, reduce trade deficits, and protect national security. However, critics — including economists and U.S. industry groups — warn that such tariffs will inflate prices on everyday goods, from electronics to clothing, hurting American consumers and small businesses.
Diplomatic Stakes at APEC
The APEC summit, scheduled to be hosted this year in South Korea, is expected to draw key leaders from across the Asia-Pacific region. While a direct visit to China is still being considered, insiders suggest that a sideline meeting between Trump and Xi during the summit would be politically symbolic, signaling a willingness to reduce tensions.
Since the trade war began during Trump’s first term in office, multiple rounds of tariffs and retaliatory measures have strained U.S.-China economic relations. Efforts to reach a comprehensive Phase Two agreement stalled during the pandemic and never resumed at a serious level under the Biden administration.
Global Markets Watch Closely
Investors, manufacturers, and policymakers around the world are closely tracking these developments. A breakthrough in talks could stabilize global markets and bring relief to multinational corporations navigating a chaotic tariff regime. Conversely, failure to reach a deal by the August 12 deadline may usher in another round of harsh economic reprisals from both sides.
As the clock ticks, pressure mounts on both Washington and Beijing to strike a balance between economic protectionism and global cooperation.
Final Thoughts from TheTrendingPeople.com:
With global supply chains still recovering from years of pandemic-induced disruption, a potential thaw in U.S.-China trade relations could reset the geopolitical and economic outlook for 2025. Trump’s proposed meeting with Xi Jinping — whether in Beijing or South Korea — may be a critical turning point, not just for bilateral diplomacy but also for the world economy at large.