Overview
- Trump and Xi are scheduled to meet Thursday in South Korea after negotiators outlined a framework to pause further U.S. tariffs and Chinese export curbs.
- A reported proposal under discussion would reduce part of the 20% fentanyl‑related tariff by up to about 10 percentage points if China tightens precursor chemical controls.
- Trump said he expects a "very good outcome" from the talks and indicated tariff relief could be linked to Beijing’s fentanyl steps, according to remarks to reporters.
- A separate U.S.–South Korea deal centered on roughly $350 billion in investment for lower reciprocal tariffs remains unresolved, though Trump said it will be finalized "very soon."
- Hours before Trump’s arrival, North Korea test‑fired ship‑launched cruise missiles into western waters; KCNA claimed success, South Korea’s Joint Chiefs confirmed the launch, and analysts read it as a likely signal against a Trump–Kim meeting.