Trump to meet Xi at APEC amid trade tensions

In Short:
– Trump will meet Xi Jinping at the APEC summit in South Korea later this month amid trade tensions.
– China has reshuffled its trade team, appointing Li Yongjie as the new WTO representative.

President Donald Trump confirmed he will meet Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit later this month in South Korea.

It marks their first face-to-face encounter in six years amid ongoing trade tensions.Trump expressed hope about achieving a “fantastic deal,” despite escalating disputes. He is prepared to impose significant tariffs on Chinese imports if no agreement is reached. Current U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods average 55%, with a potential increase to 155% looming.

Trump mentioned that he believes an excellent trade deal would benefit the U.S., China and the global economy. He acknowledged the importance of the negotiations, stating that China respects the U.S. but is always seeking advantages in trade.

China’s Trade Reshuffle

China has reshuffled its trade negotiation team. Li Chenggang has been removed from his position as the representative to the World Trade Organization, while retaining his role as vice minister of commerce. This change aligns with Beijing’s strategy to adjust its trade diplomacy amid tensions.

Li Yongjie has been appointed as the new WTO representative. This team transition comes after scrutiny from U.S. officials and reflects China’s commitment to recalibrating its approach within the ongoing trade discussions.

The upcoming APEC summit will gather leaders from 21 economies, representing a significant portion of global GDP. It serves as a pivotal platform for dialogue, despite the backdrop of intensified trade negotiations.