The American president, Donald Trump, and his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, they agreed to a pause in the trade war that for months shook global markets, although the conciliatory gesture was overshadowed by a decision that revived geopolitical fears: the reactivation of nuclear tests by Washington after more than three decades of suspension.
The meeting, held in Busan, South Korea, as the closing of the Asian tour of the Republican magnate, concluded with a pact that contemplates reduction of tariffs, making access to rare earth metals more flexible y reinforced collaboration against fentanyl trafficking. “On a scale of 0 to 10, the meeting was a 12,” the president celebrated aboard Air Force One, presenting the result as a boost for the world economy.
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He agreement suspends Chinese restrictions on the export of rare earths for one year and implies that Washington reduces tariffs to products linked to fentanyl from 20 percent to 10 percent. Beijing, in return, will intensify controls on chemical precursors of the opioid and will expand the purchases of soybeans and US energy.
For analysts, more than a definitive resolution, the truce is a tactical respite: China protects its technological dominance and Washington obtains domestic political capital.
Return of nuclear tests
But the détente had an immediate contrast. Hours before landing in South Korea, Trump announced the return of US nuclear testsa decision that coincided with recent russian atomic tests and raised alarms about a new arms race. “With other countries doing tests, it is appropriate that we do it too,” he said, without specifying the operational scope.
Later, he clarified that the measure “was not directed at China”although the statement contaminated the diplomatic atmosphere.
The leader of the Chinese Communist Party warned in Busan about the “twists and turns” in the bilateral relationship and called to avoid a “vicious cycle of retaliation”. According to official media, he urged to prioritize long-term benefits and strategic stability.
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Trump’s tour, accompanied by lavish ceremonies and gestures — such as golden crowns, gifts and traditional dances — strengthened alliances in Tokyo and Seoul, where he endorsed the construction of a nuclear submarine. But his style once again showed contrasts: he celebrated trade agreements while launching announcements that fuel uncertainty.
The pact with Xi extends the tariff truce and opens space to coordinate topics such as war in ukraine. The magnate announced that he plans to visit China in April, and Xi could travel to the US later. Still, the agreement is fragile and could unravel under any unilateral move.
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