U.S. and China Race to Defuse Trade Tensions Ahead of Trump–Xi Meeting in Malaysia
The United States and China are engaging in urgent discussions on the sidelines of the ASEAN summit in Kuala Lumpur to prevent a renewed escalation of their trade conflict and ensure the upcoming Trump–Xi meeting proceeds as planned. The talks come after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to impose new 100% tariffs on Chinese imports and introduce additional trade restrictions beginning November 1. Chinese officials have warned that such measures would severely damage global supply chains and undermine economic recovery efforts. Both sides are reportedly exploring temporary compromises on technology exports and agricultural purchases to ease tensions. Analysts say the outcome of the Malaysia talks could determine whether the Trump–Xi meeting becomes a step toward stabilizing relations or triggers a new round of retaliatory tariffs. The diplomatic exchanges underscore the broader struggle to balance economic competition with the need for cooperation between the world’s two largest economies.
