From TikTok to rare earths... Trump and Xi Jinping's secret talks, but here's the catch: What is the US-China strategy?

News Topical, Digital Desk : US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping will meet face-to-face for the first time in four years on Thursday. This meeting is considered significant given the renewed tensions between the two countries over the past few months.

Washington and Beijing have clashed on several fronts since Trump's return to power, particularly over trade and global influence. Experts say the meeting could determine the direction of their relations.

Rare earth and fentanyl controversy

China dominates rare earth metals, which are essential in the defense, auto, and electronics industries. Beijing recently imposed export restrictions on these metals, prompting Trump to announce a 100 % tax on all Chinese goods. However, he later stated that such high taxes were unsustainable and expressed hope that a compromise could be reached.

The issue of fentanyl is also a source of tension between the two countries. Trump has imposed a 20 % tariff on China since March, saying Beijing has failed to stop the spread of the dangerous drug in the US. China says it has cooperated and that taxation will not solve the problem.

China retaliated against the fentanyl tax by imposing taxes on US agricultural products, particularly soybeans. This caused significant losses to US farmers, as more than half of their soybeans went to China. During a recent conversation in Malaysia, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant claimed that China was now ready to purchase large quantities of soybeans.

Talks possible on Russia-Ukraine war

The Russia-Ukraine war may also be discussed between Trump and Xi Jinping. The US wants China to buy oil from Russia because it helps Moscow fund the war. However, China has declared itself neutral. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has urged Trump to pressure Xi Jinping to reduce his support for Russia.

The issue of Taiwan may also be raised at the meeting. China considers Taiwan part of its territory and has vowed to use force if necessary. Although the United States does not recognize Taiwan as a separate country, it provides it with weapons for self-defense.

The future of TikTok will be decided

Discussions on AI technology and chips are also expected. China is strengthening its chip industry to avoid US sanctions. Meanwhile, Jensen Huang, CEO of the American chip company Nvidia, has said that if American chips are not sold in China, Silicon Valley's growth could be at risk.

TikTok 's future also hinges on this meeting. The US government has approved taking control of TikTok from its Chinese owner, ByteDance, and handing it over to American investors. The Trump administration says the deal could be completed on Thursday in Xi Jinping's presence.

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