Trump may travel to China to meet Xi in 'not-too-distant future'

President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that he may soon travel to China for a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, describing the potential trip as happening in the 'not-too-distant future.'

Speaking from the Oval Office during a meeting with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Trump told reporters, "President Xi has invited me to China, and we'll probably be doing that in the not-too-distant future."

Sources cited by Reuters say a Trump-Xi meeting could take place during Trump’s visit to Asia, possibly around the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit or a September ceremony in Beijing marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. Russian President Vladimir Putin is also expected to attend that event.

The meeting would mark Trump’s first face-to-face encounter with Xi or Putin since the start of his second term. Although no final decision has been made, aides on both sides are reportedly engaged in preparatory discussions.

During his Oval Office remarks, Trump emphasized improved U.S.-China relations and praised his rapport with Xi.

He also pointed to the Philippines' strategic importance in the Pacific, saying the U.S. had “un-tilted” the nation away from China.

Still, he continues to push for steep tariffs on imports, including a proposed 55% tariff on Chinese goods unless a new trade deal is reached by 12 August.

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