Trump ‘A Go’ For Meeting With Xi, Says Scott Bessent Amid US-China Trade War

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Last Updated:October 16, 2025, 07:29 IST

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Washington’s approach under Trump was not to pursue confrontation but rather a recalibration of trade relations.

 AFP file)

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. (Photo: AFP file)

In a major diplomatic signal, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed that President Donald Trump remains committed to meeting Chinese President Xi Jinping later this month, despite ongoing friction between Washington and Beijing. The meeting is expected to take place during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in South Korea, with both sides reportedly engaged in high-level discussions to maintain stability in bilateral relations.

What Bessent said?

Bessent’s remarks, made during an interview with CNBC on Wednesday, October 16, came at a time when tensions appeared to be deepening. Last week, President Trump had hinted at cancelling the scheduled talks after Beijing imposed new export controls on rare earth minerals and technologies crucial to sectors such as defence, electronics, and renewable energy. The move prompted concerns of a renewed escalation in the long-standing US-China trade conflict.

However, Bessent sought to allay those fears, describing the relationship between the two economic superpowers as “tense but manageable." He added that the White House remained engaged in “continuous and constructive communication" with Beijing. “President Trump is a go for the meeting with President Xi," he affirmed. “Both sides understand that dialogue is essential to avoid further deterioration."

Trump’s “gesture of goodwill" 

The Treasury Secretary emphasised that Washington’s approach under Trump was not to pursue confrontation but rather a recalibration of trade relations. He pointed out that several contentious issues inherited from the Biden administration, including tariff structures and supply-chain dependencies, remained unresolved, and the Trump government aimed to address them through direct negotiation rather than economic decoupling.

“We’re not looking for confrontation; we’re looking for recalibration," Bessent stated. “The objective is to secure fair competition while ensuring that both economies remain stable."

Bessent also hinted that Trump may reconsider or roll back his proposed 100% tariff threat on select Chinese imports if Beijing responds with conciliatory measures. He described Trump’s move to proceed with the summit as a “gesture of goodwill" that could help cool market anxieties and re-establish trust between the two global powers.

APEC Summit

According to Bessent, the decision to go ahead with the meeting also reflects the personal rapport between Trump and Xi, which has often served as a stabilising factor in moments of heightened geopolitical tension. “There’s a level of mutual respect that helps prevent crises from spiralling," he observed.

Shuddhanta Patra

Shuddhanta Patra

Shuddhanta Patra, a seasoned journalist with eight years of experience, serves as Senior Sub‑Editor at CNN News 18. With expertise across national politics, geopolitics, business news, she has influenced public...Read More

Shuddhanta Patra, a seasoned journalist with eight years of experience, serves as Senior Sub‑Editor at CNN News 18. With expertise across national politics, geopolitics, business news, she has influenced public...

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First Published:

October 16, 2025, 07:29 IST

News world Trump ‘A Go’ For Meeting With Xi, Says Scott Bessent Amid US-China Trade War

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