Signaling a shift from confrontation to dialogue, the US and China have struck a one-year agreement to ease trade tensions. Chinese President Xi Jinping celebrated the new tone, stating that “dialogue is always better than confrontation,” while US President Donald Trump called their meeting “amazing.”
The deal involves several key concessions. The US has agreed to slash some tariffs and export controls. China, in turn, will purchase US soybeans and, crucially, will pause any new curbs on the export of rare earths or the technology to process them.
Furthermore, the US agreed to postpone a restrictive new measure for one year. This rule, strongly opposed by Beijing, would have blocked many Chinese firms from accessing American technology if they had ties to sanctioned companies.
Speaking at the APEC forum in South Korea after the meeting, President Xi called for global cooperation. He urged nations to “join hands rather than letting go” and warned against “breaking supply chains,” championing “genuine multilateralism.”
This positive momentum is set to continue with high-level visits. President Trump announced he will visit China in April, with President Xi planning a reciprocal trip to the US, possibly in Palm Beach or Washington, D.C., later in the year.