Trump-Xi meet likely in Shanghai or on the sidelines of Apec summit in South Korea: Report

The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) summit in South Korea, set for October 30 to November 1, offers a key opportunity for Chinese President Xi Jinping and his US counterpart Donald Trump to meet, South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported, citing sources.

Trump might visit China beforehand or meet Xi on the sidelines of the Apec event in Gyeongju, where Xi plans to attend, though Trump’s participation is unconfirmed, the Hong Kong based outlet reported.

This month, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met face-to-face, a step toward a potential leaders’ summit.

Last month, Xi invited Trump and his wife to China, an invitation Trump reciprocated. Rubio noted a “strong desire on both sides” for a presidents’ meeting.

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US-China relations have been rocky since Trump’s January return to the White House, as the US leader issued threats of imposing 145 per cent tariffs on Chinese goods.

Both sides have since worked on stabilising ties, reaching a preliminary trade deal easing China’s rare-earth export restrictions and US technology trade barriers.

Analysts suggest a pre-Apec meeting in China, possibly in Shanghai, is likely to differentiate from Trump’s 2017 Beijing visit.

Diao Daming of Renmin University was quoted by SCMP as saying: “Under favourable conditions and an appropriate atmosphere, any form of interaction between the two leaders will aid in the stabilisation and development of US-China relations.”

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Bonnie Glaser of the German Marshall Fund noted that China sees a summit as stabilising.

“They maintain that a leaders’ meeting could create greater stability in the relationship,” she said, adding it could allow Xi to push for eased technology restrictions and the US reaffirmation against Taiwan independence.

Beijing views Taiwan as its territory, to be reunited if necessary by force. The US, while not recognising Taiwan’s independence, opposes forceful takeover and is obligated to arm Taiwan.

Sun Chenghao of Tsinghua University said a summit could break deadlocks on issues like fentanyl and tariffs: “If certain issues can be clarified directly through a summit between the two leaders, I believe we could see relatively swift breakthroughs in specific areas of US-China relations.”

Chen Qi of Tsinghua added: “Both sides are indeed working to create a conducive atmosphere for a meeting.”

Cooperation on trade and export controls could foster positive interactions.

Observers note that Trump’s greater eagerness gives Beijing leverage.

“It’s up to China. Trump would be on a plane to Beijing tomorrow if he could,” said Jeremy Chan of Eurasia Group.

“China is very protocol driven and wants all agreements lined up well in advance while Trump would be happy to hash it all out over a Big Mac.”

However, Taiwan or hawkish US actions could derail plans. “The summit will be well telegraphed in advance,” Chan said. “But all it would take would be one slip up along the way to derail the whole thing.”