U. S. President Donald Trump will visit China from March 31 to April 2, as confirmed by a White House official. The trip will include a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping to discuss the potential extension of a trade truce that has paused tariff increases between the two nations. Trump described the event as a significant occasion, saying it would be the “biggest display” in China’s history.
This visit marks the first meeting between the leaders since February and their first in-person encounter since an October discussion in South Korea. In that meeting, they agreed on tariff reductions in exchange for China’s action on the fentanyl trade and resuming soybean purchases. The sensitive issue of Taiwan was mostly avoided at the October meeting but was raised in February when Xi discussed U. S. arms sales to the island.
China considers Taiwan part of its territory, while Taipei denies this claim. The U. S. has unofficial ties with Taiwan and is its main arms supplier. Trump indicated that Xi might increase soybean purchases, which are essential for U. S. farmers, an important group for Trump politically.
With information from Reuters