Donald Trump expressed optimism about negotiating a trade agreement with Chinese President Xi Jinping during an upcoming meeting in South Korea next week. Whatever happens during this meeting, it is shaping up to be a crucial turning point for U.S.-China relations. Trump hopes to move forward on trade and talks about China’s purchase of Russian oil.
In a meeting with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte ahead of the second round of talks, Trump reiterated what he wants out of the bilateral talks. He stated, “I think we’ll make a deal,” indicating his belief in the potential for a productive dialogue with Xi. Their last meeting, Mar-a-Lago in 2017, was the precursor to many future negotiations.
Trump will end China’s illegal purchase of Russian oil. The issue has served as a catalyst of discontent within the U.S. administration. His goal is to shed light on how these transactions are impacting global energy markets and the state of International Relations. The conversation will quickly pivot to the larger economic picture. Trump, meanwhile, is banking on China resuming its previous plucking of U.S. soybeans.
In addition to trade discussions, Trump referenced a potential deal on nuclear arms, following comments made by Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding the possibility of de-escalation in nuclear weapons. Trump said that China should be involved in future treaties with Moscow on nuclear arms. He is leading the charge for a multilateral approach to tackle this massive problem head on.
The soon-to-be-held COP26 is seen as a chance for each leader to tackle some of the world’s most urgent challenges. This is notable because it contrasts a commitment to fostering dialogue and seeking agreement with China on multiple fronts – the complete opposite of Trump’s approach. The final result can have important repercussions for overall international trade and security multi-polarity.