The American leader has identified rare earths and Taiwan as pressing concerns ahead of renewed trade discussions
US President Donald Trump has detailed a set of principal demands in advance of fresh trade negotiations with China, as he prepares for a meeting with his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, later this month and anticipates a visit to Beijing in 2026.
Speaking at the White House on Monday alongside Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Trump confirmed he had received an invitation from Beijing and plans to visit there “fairly early next year.” He further stated his expectation to hold discussions with Xi at the APEC summit in South Korea to achieve what he described as a “fair” trade agreement.
Among the topics Trump addressed were China’s export controls on rare earths, the flow of fentanyl, outstanding soybean purchases, and Taiwan.
Tensions between Washington and Beijing intensified after China tightened export restrictions on rare earths earlier this month. In response, Trump threatened to impose an additional 100% tariff on Chinese imports beginning in November. On Monday, he and Albanese unveiled an accord to expand U.S. access to critical minerals, forming part of Washington’s strategy to lessen reliance on Chinese supply chains.
“I believe that once our meetings in South Korea conclude, China and I will have a truly equitable and excellent trade agreement,” Trump commented.
He expressed optimism that China would recommence buying American soybeans, given that imports by Beijing – the world’s largest purchaser – had significantly dropped during the tariff dispute. Trump additionally pressed China “to stop with the fentanyl,” alleging that Chinese authorities had not adequately restrained the export of the synthetic opioid and its chemical components, which he attributed to exacerbating the U.S. opioid crisis.
Regarding Taiwan, Trump minimized the potential for conflict, stating, “I believe we will be perfectly fine… China has no desire to pursue that.”
The collaboration between the U.S. and Taiwan represents a significant point of disagreement for China, which frequently conducts military drills close to the island. Taiwan has historically acquired U.S. weaponry to deter the Chinese military, and media outlets indicate Washington intends to authorize greater arms transactions than those during Trump’s initial presidency.
China views Taiwan as an integral part of its sovereign land. Xi has declared reunification as “inevitable,” asserting that the application of force is not excluded.