Trump Signals Upcoming China Visit as Trade Improves/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Trump announced a potential trip to China “in the not too distant future,” signaling improved U.S.–China relations. Trade tensions have cooled following recent tariff rollbacks and rare earth agreements. A Trump-Xi summit could stabilize relations amid ongoing economic and geopolitical competition.
Trump’s China Visit Plans – Quick Looks
- Trump suggested he may soon visit China, hinting at a leadership summit
- The remarks came during a White House meeting with Philippine President Marcos Jr.
- Trump claimed trade relations with China are improving, especially over rare earth exports
- Talks between the two nations have reduced tariffs and eased tech restrictions
- A summit with Xi Jinping could help reset strained U.S.–China ties
- Analysts believe China is watching for Trump’s willingness to compromise
- Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is set to meet Chinese officials in Stockholm
- China dropped an antitrust probe into DuPont, seen as a goodwill gesture
- A mid-August deadline looms for a finalized trade deal
- Diplomatic and trade strategy remains central to Trump’s Indo-Pacific policy
Deep Look
Trump Hints at China Trip as U.S.–China Trade War Cools
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump hinted Tuesday at an upcoming visit to China, saying the trip may happen “in the not too distant future,” as both nations take steps to lower trade tensions and move toward renewed diplomatic engagement. The announcement followed Trump’s meeting with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., a key U.S. ally in the Indo-Pacific, where Trump emphasized strengthening regional alliances while maintaining open lines with Beijing.
“I think we’re getting along with China very well,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office, adding that Beijing has resumed shipments of critical rare earth magnets used in high-tech industries like electric vehicles and smartphones. The improvement in trade relations may pave the way for a long-speculated summit between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
A Delicate Dance Toward Diplomacy
Experts say a Trump-Xi meeting could provide a temporary reset in a complex and often adversarial relationship.
“Beijing believes a leader-level summit is key to stabilizing U.S.-China relations,” said Danny Russel, a fellow at the Asia Society Policy Institute. “They’re waiting for signs that Trump will accept favorable terms before giving the green light.”
Sun Yun, director of the China program at the Stimson Center, agreed, noting that while a September meeting may be unlikely, a November summit is “in the making,” dependent on mutual concessions on trade and other key issues.
Easing Trade War Pressures
Since Trump’s return to office, bilateral relations have shifted. His previous administration’s aggressive tariff campaign had escalated into a trade war, with the U.S. imposing up to 145% tariffs on Chinese goods, prompting China to retaliate with 125% duties on American exports.
Both nations also weaponized trade in strategic sectors: the U.S. restricted semiconductor and aerospace exports, while China limited shipments of rare earth minerals—materials essential for clean energy and defense tech.
But the tide began to turn following two rounds of high-level negotiations in Geneva and London, where both parties agreed to gradually scale back tariffs and review critical export restrictions. A formal agreement is expected by August 12, but ongoing talks are aimed at extending that deadline and finalizing the terms.
Bessent to Continue Trade Talks in Stockholm
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed he will travel to Stockholm next week to meet with Chinese officials.
Speaking on Fox Business’ “Mornings with Maria,” Bessent said, “Trade is in a very good place with China.” He also indicated that discussions will address overproduction in Chinese manufacturing and a shift toward consumer-driven economic growth.
Bessent also plans to bring up geopolitical concerns, including China’s continued oil purchases from Russia and Iran and Beijing’s indirect support for Moscow in the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Signs of Goodwill from Beijing
Adding to the positive momentum, China on Tuesday suspended an antitrust investigation into U.S. chemical giant DuPont. The probe, launched in April, was seen as part of Beijing’s retaliation for Trump’s steep tariffs. The abrupt closure of the case, with no explanation given, was interpreted as a diplomatic olive branch.
DuPont welcomed the decision, stating it was “pleased” with the outcome. The move coincided with China’s decision to resume issuing export licenses for rare earth elements and magnets—resources American manufacturers rely on to produce electric vehicles, wind turbines, robotics, and other advanced technologies.
Meanwhile, the U.S. has eased certain export restrictions on advanced chips and related tech products, suggesting a bilateral effort to rebuild commercial trust.
Xi Jinping Yet to Confirm Plans
Although Beijing has yet to announce travel plans for Vice Premier He Lifeng—China’s lead negotiator in the Geneva and London rounds—analysts note that such announcements often come at the last minute. The lack of an official statement isn’t necessarily a setback but reflects Beijing’s preference for strategic ambiguity.
Despite optimistic signals, analysts caution that serious hurdles remain. Issues like Taiwan, cybersecurity, and China’s military assertiveness in the South China Sea still threaten to derail progress.
Strategic Stakes in the Indo-Pacific
Trump’s comments came as he welcomed President Marcos Jr., reaffirming the strong U.S.-Philippines alliance. Manila remains a strategic counterweight to Beijing’s growing regional dominance. Trump praised the “fantastic military relationship” between the two nations, reinforcing his administration’s strategy of balancing confrontation with cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.
As the world’s two largest economies inch toward another chapter in their turbulent relationship, the prospect of a Trump-Xi summit carries significant weight. Whether the visit materializes in the coming months may depend on how far each side is willing to compromise.
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