US president Donald Trump has said that a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping is “scheduled” to take place during his upcoming trip to South Korea.

The announcement signals a potential thaw amid worsening relations between the world’s two largest economies.

Speaking ahead of his Asia visit, President Trump indicated that the meeting would take place on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, where both leaders are expected to attend.

The planned sit-down would mark the first direct engagement between the two since renewed tensions erupted over tariffs, and technology restrictions.

Relations between Beijing and Washington have deteriorated sharply in recent weeks, with both sides trading barbs over trade policy and security issues.

The United States has tightened export controls on advanced semiconductors and imposed fresh tariffs on Chinese imports, while China has accused Washington of engaging in “economic coercion” and interfering in its domestic affairs.

Trump, who has positioned himself as a hardliner on China throughout his political career, suggested that dialogue remains essential despite the friction.

“We’ll be having a very good meeting,” he said. “It’s important to talk, especially when times are tough.”

Analysts say the meeting could offer a chance to reset communication channels that have largely broken down amid the escalating trade and technology disputes.

However, expectations for any major breakthrough remain low, as both countries continue to prioritise strategic competition over reconciliation.

So far Beijing has not issued any official response to Trump’s announcement but if confirmed, the Trump-Xi meeting would draw significant international attention, with markets watching closely for any signal of easing tensions.

For both leaders, the encounter could serve as an opportunity to project strength at home while cautiously testing the waters for renewed engagement in a region increasingly shaped by rivalry and uncertainty.

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