Aboard Air Force One on his way to South Korea, Donald Trump told reporters he may reduce tariffs that he placed on China earlier this year related to its role in making fentanyl .
President Trump leaves for Washington after meeting Chinese leader Xi in South Korea
President Donald Trump, left, and Chinese President Xi Jinping, right, shake hands after their U.S.-China summit meeting at Gimhae International Airport in Busan, South Korea, on October 30, 2025 | Photo Credit: AP.
President Donald Trump was headed back to Washington following his in–person meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, on Thursday (October 30, 2025), the last day of a trip to Asia that was a chance for the leaders of the two largest economies in the world to stabilise relations after months of turmoil around trade problems.
Before they sat down for the 1 hour and 40 minute meeting, there was a rough idea of the agenda, including tariffs, computer chips, rare earth minerals and other points of tension. Mr. Trump repeatedly said he expected to be able to reach a deal with Xi.
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However, there was no immediate comment on what they discussed after they finished talking. Mr. Trump got aboard Air Force One after he had spent five days in three Asian countries. He did not speak with reporters, nor did the White House make any announcement.
Starting with Mr. Trump’s bellicose use of tariffs since recently taking the White House for the second time, on top of China limiting exports of rare earth elements, this conversation took on new urgency. There is a shared feeling that neither side wants to risk blowing up the world economy in ways that could endanger each country’s future.
Afterwards, aboard Air Force One on his way to South Korea, Mr. Trump spoke to reporters he may remove tariffs he put on China earlier this year related to fentanyl.
“I anticipate that I will reduce that number based on the what I think they will assist us with at the border on fentanyl,” Mr. Trump said later, he added, “The relationship with China is a very good one.”
The meeting took place nearly 76 km south of Gyeongju, the main venue for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, in the port city of Busan, South Korea.