Wed Jul 23 05:33:34 UTC 2025: **Summary:**
U.S. President Donald Trump hinted at a potential meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping to improve strained relations after a period of trade war. While praising the U.S.’s military relationship with the Philippines as a counter to China’s influence, Trump stated that relations with China are “very good” and that China has resumed shipping rare earth magnets to the U.S. Talks between the two countries are ongoing to extend the August 12 deadline for a more permanent trade deal. The U.S. Treasury Secretary expects to discuss trade, China’s manufacturing glut, and its oil purchases from Russia and Iran with Chinese counterparts in Stockholm next week. In a sign of easing tensions, China has suspended an antitrust investigation into DuPont’s operations in China and agreed to issue export permits for rare earth elements.
**News Article:**
**Trump Hints at Potential Summit with Xi Jinping Amid Easing Trade Tensions**
*Washington, July 23, 2025* – U.S. President Donald Trump suggested Tuesday that a summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping might be on the horizon, sparking hopes for a further reset in relations between the world’s two largest economies. The announcement comes as both nations appear to be stepping back from a protracted trade war that saw tariffs and restrictions imposed on critical goods.
Speaking at the White House while hosting Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Trump praised the U.S.’s “fantastic military relationship” with Manila, seen as a key element in countering China’s influence in the Indo-Pacific. However, he emphasized the positive developments in the U.S.-China relationship, noting that China has resumed shipments of much-needed rare earth magnets.
The potential summit, speculated upon since Trump’s return to the White House, is viewed by Beijing as crucial for stabilizing the increasingly complex relationship. While hawkish voices within Trump’s administration persist, China believes Trump ultimately holds the power to dictate U.S. policy.
Trade tensions have begun to ease following high-level talks in Geneva and London, where both sides agreed to lower tariffs and ease trade restrictions. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced plans to meet with Chinese counterparts in Stockholm next week to discuss a possible extension of the August 12 deadline for a comprehensive trade deal. Bessent also plans to address China’s manufacturing practices, its purchases of Russian and Iranian oil, and its role in the conflict in Ukraine.
In a potentially conciliatory gesture, China announced the suspension of an antitrust investigation into chemical maker DuPont’s operations. Furthermore, China has agreed to approve export permits for rare earth elements, while the U.S. has relaxed restrictions on some advanced chips and technologies.
While no firm date has been set for a potential summit, analysts suggest that Beijing will likely greenlight the visit once confident that Trump will adhere to terms they deem favorable. The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether both sides can reach a mutually beneficial agreement and pave the way for a high-stakes meeting between the two leaders.
First Piper 