Trump Meets Xi, Settles Rare Earth Deal, Cuts Tariffs to 47%

Published 14 hours ago·Updated 13 hours ago

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Above: Donald Trump greets Xi Jinping ahead of a bilateral meeting at Gimhae Air Base on Oct. 30, 2025. Image copyright: Andrew Harnik/Getty Images

The Spin

Pro-Trump narrative

Trump secured a breakthrough with China by cutting tariffs to 47% while getting Beijing to resume soybean purchases, maintain rare earth exports and crack down on fentanyl trafficking. The nearly two-hour meeting with Xi marked a successful finale to an Asia trip that delivered trade wins across the region, pushing global markets to record highs on hopes of ending the damaging trade war.

Breitbart

Pro-China narrative

Xi and Trump forged a landmark truce at APEC. The de-escalation is a win-win for both China and the U.S., helping stabilize supply chains and boost economies worldwide. Xi's vision aligns with Trump's "Make America Great Again" agenda and with the shared goals of prosperity and stability. Both nations can thrive together through cooperation, balanced trade and mutual respect, strengthening global economic confidence.

Global Times

Democratic narrative

Trading away America's technological edge for raw materials is a catastrophic national security failure that puts political headlines above the country's safety. Approving advanced AI chip sales to China risks handing Beijing the tools to build superior weapons systems, while past deals show a pattern of transactions that benefit Trump personally at America's expense.

MSNBC

Establishment-critical narrative

Xi Jinping outmaneuvered Trump and secured tariff cuts from 57% to 47% while he offered minimal concessions on fentanyl and soybeans. Beijing retains control over rare earths and technology, exposing U.S. weakness. Despite Trump's desperate repetition of "great relationship" like a broken record, it's clear that China dictates terms in the renewed trade war.

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