Trump and Xi to Meet as US-China Economic Competition Intensifies

President Donald Trump is set to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping today, October 29, 2025, in Busan, South Korea, amid growing concerns that Beijing is gaining leverage in a shifting economic landscape between the two nations.

The meeting, taking place on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit, marks the first face-to-face encounter between the two leaders since Trump’s return to office. The dynamic comes as the U.S.-China trade war evolves from tariffs to a broader contest over export controls, critical minerals, and supply chains, with some analysts suggesting China is proactively dictating the terms. “There are a lot of arrows in the Chinese quiver,” said Bryan Burack, a senior policy advisor for China and the Indo-Pacific at the Heritage Foundation. “The fact of the matter is that they can literally make more moves than we can.”

While the Trump administration has emphasized restoring American economic dominance and revisiting trade terms with allies and rivals alike, some experts believe Washington is reacting to Beijing’s strategy rather than leading it. This shift in power dynamics is particularly concerning given the United States’ reliance on Chinese supply chains, a vulnerability China has been strategically addressing for years through a policy of self-reliance. The ongoing competition has broader implications for global trade and the stability of international markets; you can learn more about the complexities of international trade from the World Trade Organization.

However, other analysts caution against viewing China’s position as insurmountable, pointing to underlying weaknesses within its economy. Clark Packard, a research fellow at the Cato Institute, argued that Beijing’s focus on manufacturing over domestic consumption creates imbalances. Henrietta Levin, a senior fellow on China studies at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, suggested both sides are seeking a period of stability, and a limited arrangement may be reached. She added that Washington needs to strengthen partnerships in Asia to counter Chinese influence, and regain control of the diplomatic narrative, as detailed in a recent CSIS report.

Officials anticipate that both leaders will attempt to de-escalate tensions during their meeting, though the extent of any concessions remains uncertain.