US President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping finally sat down face-to-face in South Korea.
It was their first encounter in six years in a meeting that could reshape the world’s most consequential rivalry.
The mood? Surprisingly cordial.Trump hailed Xi as the “great leader of a great country.”
Xi called it a “great pleasure” to reconnect, urging that both nations “stay the right course” despite their differences.
But even before Air Force One touched down in Busan, Trump raised eyebrows by announcing the end of a 30-year moratorium on US nuclear testing.
“Because of other countries’ testing programs,” he said.
Trump–Xi Tensions Rise
The US would restart its own — an announcement that sent shockwaves through diplomatic circles.
Behind the smiles and handshakes, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
From tariffs and AI chip access to TikTok, fentanyl, and Taiwan, the two leaders faced a table stacked with flashpoints.
Both sides are desperate for stability.
China seeks predictability as it races for tech independence, while Trump wants a dealmaking win to cap his Asia tour.
Whether Busan marks a thaw or just a temporary pause in this superpower standoff remains to be seen.
But one thing’s certain: when Trump and Xi meet, the world watches — and holds its breath.
