‘We’ll See What Happens’: Trump Uncertain on China Despite ‘Great’ Xi Relations

Despite touting his “great” personal relationship with Chinese President Xi Jinping, President Donald Trump expressed deep uncertainty about upcoming trade talks, saying, “I don’t know what’s going to happen. We’ll see what happens.”
This uncertainty coexists with his admission that the current high-tariff policy is “not sustainable.” The president confirmed he will meet with Xi in two weeks to navigate this complex situation.
Trump continues to blame China for the tariffs, claiming “they forced me to do that.” He also remains wary of his negotiating partners, stating, “China is always looking for an edge.”
The meeting, expected at the APEC summit in South Korea, is under pressure from a November 10 deadline. On that date, a 90-day truce that has paused the trade war is set to expire, potentially re-igniting the conflict.
The president’s goal remains a “fair deal.” He has defended the current trade war, even threatening 100% tariffs last week, by arguing that without them, the US “would be exposed as being a nothing.”