Former U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that he will not meet Chinese President Xi Jinping at the upcoming APEC summit in South Korea, saying there is no reason to hold the meeting.
Trump made the announcement on his social media platform, Truth Social, as he prepared for a medical check-up at a military hospital near Washington.
The decision comes amid rising tensions over trade between the United States and China. Trump criticized China for imposing export controls on rare earth elements and other essential materials, which he said could hold the global market “captive.”
Trump accused Beijing of taking advantage of what he described as six months of good bilateral relations while planning to restrict critical exports. He emphasized that the United States must act to protect its interests.
In response, Trump threatened to impose “massive” tariffs on Chinese goods, though he did not specify exact measures. The warning reflects his long-standing approach to trade with China, prioritizing U.S. industry protection and fair trade practices.
Earlier this year, Trump suggested implementing an “80% tariff on China,” signaling his readiness to take aggressive steps if trade issues remain unresolved. The move comes as U.S. and Chinese officials have been scheduled to discuss trade tensions at talks in Switzerland.
Global manufacturers and trade observers are closely monitoring the situation. The cancellation of the Trump-Xi meeting and the potential tariffs could significantly impact global supply chains and economic stability, highlighting the fragility of U.S.- China relations.