Trump signals trade deal with China ahead of Asia trip

• US-China trade deal could affect global tariffs
• Tensions over Taiwan remain a geopolitical flashpoint
• Rare minerals and tariffs are at the center of negotiations

Current US President Donald Trump stated that a "fantastic trade deal" with China is close to being finalized. In a statement from the White House, he emphasized that negotiations are progressing positively and indicated expectations for a complete agreement by the end of the month. The talks are taking place amid tensions surrounding tariffs and control of rare earth minerals, essential for strategic sectors such as defense and electronics.

Trump reinforced his confidence in the outcome of the negotiations by declaring, "I think we're going to end up with a fantastic trade deal with China." The statement came after a meeting with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, where a joint $1 billion investment was announced for the processing of critical minerals outside of Chinese control.

The trade dispute gained new intensity after China imposed restrictions on rare earth exports on October 9, a move that was interpreted as retaliation. In response, Trump warned that if an agreement isn't reached by November 1, the United States will apply tariffs of up to 157% on Chinese products. The American agricultural sector is also at the center of the impasse, as China has imposed tariffs that have virtually eliminated U.S. soybean exports. "They stopped buying our soybeans because they thought it was punishment," the president stated, emphasizing that "we will not allow that to happen."

Despite the escalation, Trump said China shows "great respect" for the United States and expressed confidence in a meeting with President Xi Jinping during his trip to South Korea scheduled for October 31 and November 1. He said both countries are under pressure to reach an understanding. "They threatened us with rare earths, and I threatened them with tariffs," he commented.

When asked about a possible Chinese invasion of Taiwan, Trump downplayed the risk, stating that "China doesn't want to do that." However, he acknowledged the island's strategic importance to Beijing. Military analysts warn of the risk of possible military action by 2027, given China's increased presence in the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea.

Even so, Trump asserted his confidence in the United States' military superiority, saying, "We have the best equipment. We have the best of everything, and nobody's going to mess with that." He also mentioned that Xi Jinping had previously assured him that he would not act militarily while Trump was in power, although he emphasized China's strategic patience.