Hong Kong, November 3 (ANI): The leaders of China and the United States met during the 32nd APEC Economic Ministers’ Meeting in South Korea on October 30, marking their first face-to-face encounter in over six years. While the meeting was viewed positively as a sign of dialogue between the world’s two largest powers, many observers expressed concern about the Trump administration’s approach to China.
The meeting, which lasted less than two hours, took place at Gimhae Air Base in Busan. President Donald Trump received a handshake and praise from Chinese President Xi Jinping for his “role in bringing world peace,” along with promises of Chinese purchases of American goods and a suspension of rare earth export restrictions.
However, analysts noted that the meeting cost China little, as it was the US that softened its position on tariffs. Xi expressed openness to further commercial agreements and secured a truce in the trade war. Crucially, Trump admitted afterward that Taiwan was not discussed. “That was not discussed, actually,” he told reporters aboard Air Force One — a striking omission given China’s heightened propaganda campaign against Taiwan in the days leading up to APEC.
Beijing’s revival of “Commemoration Day of Taiwan’s Restoration” on October 25, marking Japan’s surrender of Taiwan in 1945, is widely seen as part of its effort to reinforce its territorial claims. Taipei condemned the move as an attempt to “belittle our country and fabricate the claim that Taiwan belongs to the PRC.”
Interestingly, while Taiwan went unmentioned, the war in Ukraine featured prominently. Xi stated, “The world today is confronted with many tough problems. China and the US can jointly shoulder our responsibility as major countries and work together to accomplish more great and concrete things for the good of our two countries and the whole world.”
K. Tristan Tang, Associate Fellow at the Research Project on China’s Defence Affairs, said Beijing’s recent military actions reflect “a sustained military presence” around Taiwan rather than mere reactions to political developments. He noted record-high incursions across the median line, increased naval activity, and drone flights encircling Taiwan, suggesting China’s strategy now prioritizes “operational dominance and training over diplomatic signaling.”
Despite these developments, Trump avoided raising Taiwan with Xi, focusing instead on business deals. Observers noted that this transactional approach plays to Xi’s advantage, reinforcing the perception that “everything is negotiable” with Trump — even sensitive issues like Taiwan’s sovereignty.
Meanwhile, US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth met Chinese Defense Minister Admiral Dong Jun on October 31 on the sidelines of the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM+) in Kuala Lumpur. Hegseth called the discussion “constructive,” saying he stressed the importance of maintaining “a balance of power in the Indo-Pacific.”
Analysts described Hegseth’s phrasing as notable, potentially signaling US acknowledgment of China as a near-peer military power. The People’s Liberation Army’s expanding capabilities — particularly in space, where it now operates over 1,100 satellites — underscore Beijing’s ambition to challenge US dominance. Lieutenant General Douglas Schiess of the US Space Force recently warned that China’s rapid buildup “puts our assets at risk” and that Beijing is developing a “kill chain” to target US forces across multiple domains.
After the meeting, Hegseth announced that “the relationship between the United States and China has never been better,” echoing optimistic rhetoric from President Trump. He said both sides agreed to establish new military-to-military communication channels — though analysts noted China’s history of cutting such contacts whenever tensions rise.
The US Indo-Pacific Command separately announced the creation of “Task Force Philippines,” aimed at improving bilateral coordination with Manila amid increasing Chinese aggression in the South China Sea. The task force, led by a one-star general and comprising about 60 service members, will enhance operational coordination and disaster response but will not involve new combat deployments.
Returning to the Trump–Xi meeting, the White House hailed it as “a massive victory” that safeguards US economic strength while “putting American workers, farmers, and families first.” The administration said China agreed to lift export controls on rare earth minerals, end retaliatory measures against US semiconductor firms, and expand imports of American soybeans and agricultural products.
In return, Washington agreed to reduce tariffs on Chinese goods by 10 percent and suspend additional tariff hikes until November 2026. The US will also pause end-user restrictions on certain Chinese entities for one year.
Observers, however, argued that the meeting largely favored Beijing. Trump himself rated the outcome as “a twelve on a scale of ten.” Xi gained favorable global publicity, maintained his stance on Taiwan, and achieved key economic concessions — all while portraying China as a responsible global power. As Chinese state media put it, the meeting was indeed “win-win.” (ANI)
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