Trump says he is not seeking summit with Xi but 'may go' to China

Trump meets Xi at G20 summit in Osaka, Japan on 29 June, 2019.
Reuters

U.S. President Donald Trump says he’s not actively pursuing a summit with Xi Jinping but confirmed that he may visit China later this year, following an invitation from the Chinese leader.

Posting on Truth Social, Trump wrote, "I may go to China, but it would only be at the invitation of President Xi, which has been extended. Otherwise, no interest!"

Sources previously told Reuters that aides to both leaders have discussed a potential meeting during a trip by Trump to Asia later this year.

If confirmed, the visit would mark the first in-person meeting between Trump and Xi since Trump’s second term began, during ongoing U.S.-China tensions over trade and security.

While no summit is finalized, discussions have included a possible stopover around the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in South Korea or side meetings during the 30 October-1 November event.

Meanwhile, the third round of U.S.-China trade talks underway in Stockholm this week could set the stage for a leaders’ summit in the fall. However, a new round of tariffs or export controls may complicate any meeting plans.

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