Trump Hints at China Visit Amid Trade Easing and Renewed Diplomatic Push
Updated on 2025-07-23T16:00:13+05:30
Trump Hints at China Visit Amid Trade Easing and Renewed Diplomatic Push
U.S. President Donald Trump on July 22, 2025, suggested that a visit to China may take place in the near future, indicating a potential summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping aimed at resetting strained ties between the world’s two largest economies. Trump made the statement during a meeting with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at the White House, where he also emphasized strong U.S.-Philippines military cooperation amid efforts to counter China's influence in the Indo-Pacific.
Despite past tensions, Trump noted that U.S.-China relations were improving, citing Beijing’s resumed exports of rare earth magnets—critical for smartphones and electric vehicles. A leader-level summit is widely viewed as necessary to stabilize the uneasy relationship, especially with Trump holding significant sway over U.S. policy toward China, despite hawkish voices in his Cabinet.
Experts believe China may approve the visit if Trump agrees to favorable trade terms. Sun Yun of the Stimson Center noted the visit might take place in November, depending on trade negotiations. Trump's earlier tariff hikes had triggered a trade war, with China responding by raising tariffs on U.S. goods and imposing restrictions on critical items like rare earths, while the U.S. restricted Chinese access to advanced tech.
However, relations have thawed recently following high-level talks in Geneva and London, where both countries agreed to gradually reduce tariffs and loosen restrictions. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced plans to meet Chinese officials in Stockholm to extend the August 12 deal deadline. He also plans to discuss China’s oil trade with Russia and Iran.
In a conciliatory move, China suspended its antitrust probe into DuPont’s Chinese operations and approved export permits for key rare earth elements. The U.S. has responded by easing some chip and tech restrictions, reflecting mutual efforts to de-escalate trade tensions.