World

Trump to Face Xi: What’s on the Table as Trade and Fentanyl Top the Agenda?

Trump to meet Xi in South Korea next week amid trade tensions and fentanyl concerns.

October 23, 2025, 11:03 PM

Close-up, head-and-shoulders portrait of Chinese President Xi Jinping wearing a dark suit and blue patterned tie.

A portrait of Chinese President Xi Jinping shows him during his state visit to France in 2018, captured outside the formal setting of the Élysée Palace. By Frederic Legrand - COMEO / Shutterstock.com.

Executive Summary

President Donald Trump is scheduled to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping next week in South Korea as part of a multi-country Asia tour.

The high-stakes bilateral meeting between President Trump and President Xi will primarily focus on trade tensions and the issue of fentanyl.

This meeting occurs amid escalating U.S.-China trade disputes and Washington’s accusations that Beijing is not adequately curbing the flow of fentanyl precursor chemicals.

The Story So Far

The upcoming meeting between President Trump and President Xi is set against a backdrop of escalating U.S.-China trade tensions, which recently intensified with Beijing’s expanded curbs on rare-earth mineral exports leading to threats of retaliatory tariffs from President Trump. A key issue President Trump plans to address is the fentanyl crisis, with Washington accusing Beijing of failing to adequately curb the flow of precursor chemicals used to produce the drug, a significant contributor to overdose deaths in the United States.

Why This Matters

The high-stakes meeting between President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping is critical for global economic stability, as discussions on escalating trade tensions could either lead to de-escalation or further tariffs impacting consumer prices and supply chains. Additionally, the focus on fentanyl could either foster crucial cooperation to curb the flow of precursor chemicals into the U.S. or exacerbate diplomatic friction, ultimately shaping the future trajectory of the U.S.-China relationship and broader geopolitical dynamics.

Who Thinks What?

President Donald Trump expresses optimism regarding the potential for a trade deal with China and intends to prioritize discussions on fentanyl, accusing Beijing of failing to adequately curb the flow of precursor chemicals.

China, led by President Xi Jinping, has expanded curbs on exports of rare-earth minerals, contributing to trade tensions, and consistently defends its record on drug control, accusing Washington of using the fentanyl issue to “blackmail” China.

President Donald Trump is scheduled to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping next week during a trip to Asia, the White House confirmed on Thursday. The high-stakes bilateral meeting, which had been uncertain amid escalating trade tensions, is set to take place in South Korea following Trump’s participation in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEO Summit, with trade and fentanyl expected to be primary topics of discussion.

Presidential Itinerary and Meeting Confirmation

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt announced that President Trump will depart for Malaysia late Friday night, marking the beginning of a multi-country tour. After visiting Japan and South Korea, President Trump will engage in a bilateral meeting with President Xi next Thursday morning local time before returning to the United States.

The extensive trip itinerary includes a meeting with Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and attendance at a working dinner for leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations on Sunday. On Monday, President Trump will travel to Tokyo to meet with Japan’s new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Tuesday.

His visit to South Korea on Wednesday will involve a meeting with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung. President Trump is also slated to deliver keynote remarks at a CEO luncheon on the sidelines of the APEC forum summit and participate in a U.S.-APEC leaders working dinner ahead of his meeting with President Xi.

Trade Tensions and Optimism

The confirmation of the meeting comes after months of simmering U.S.-China trade tensions that intensified in early October. Beijing’s expanded curbs on exports of rare-earth minerals prompted President Trump to threaten retaliatory tariffs and other measures.

Despite the recent escalation, President Trump has expressed optimism regarding the potential for a trade deal with China. His comments contrast with more strident remarks from his top trade negotiator and finance chief, who were already in Asia working to keep the meeting on track.

Focus on Fentanyl

President Trump indicated that fentanyl would be the first issue he raises with the Chinese leader. Washington accuses Beijing of failing to adequately curb the flow of precursor chemicals used to produce fentanyl, which is a significant contributor to overdose deaths in the United States.

Beijing has consistently defended its record on drug control, accusing Washington of using the fentanyl issue to “blackmail” China. The White House previously cited the flow of these chemicals as one justification for increasing tariffs on Chinese goods.

Key Takeaways

The upcoming meeting between President Trump and President Xi is a critical moment for U.S.-China relations, particularly as trade disputes and the fentanyl crisis continue to strain diplomatic ties. The discussions are expected to shape the trajectory of economic and strategic engagement between the two global powers in the coming months.