Trump calls Xi Jinping strong leader capable of influencing Putin to end Ukraine war

US President Donald Trump is betting that Chinese President Xi Jinping could help bring an end to the Russia-Ukraine war. Ahead of their meeting in South Korea next week, Trump praised Xi as a leader “capable of influencing Moscow”.

“What I’ll really be talking to him about is how do we end the war with Russia and Ukraine, whether it’s through oil or energy or anything else. And I think he’s going to be very receptive,” Trump told reporters during a meeting with Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte.

The high-stakes meeting, expected on the sidelines of the APEC Summit in Seoul, will cover far more than peace talks. Trump, ever the dealmaker, said he hopes to strike progress on trade – from rare earths to soybeans – and hinted that even nuclear discussions could be on the table.

“I think we’ll make a deal,” Trump said. “The rare earth is the least of it we’re going to make a deal on soybeans and the farmers. Maybe even nuclear.”

Trump also said he believes Xi could have a decisive role in shaping global outcomes.

“I think he can have a big influence on Putin. He’s a respected man, a very strong leader of a very big country,” Trump said, adding that the two would “certainly be talking about Russia, Ukraine.”

TRADE AND TARIFFS ALSO ON THE AGENDA

Trump has repeatedly warned China over its export limits on rare earth elements, materials vital to advanced technologies, threatening to impose tariffs if Beijing doesn’t ease restrictions. “The tariffs are much more powerful than the rare earth,” Trump declared, claiming the US holds the upper hand.

He said that his administration will move ahead with plans to impose a 155 per cent tariff on Chinese imports from November 1, even as he claimed to prefer maintaining friendly relations with Beijing.

Despite his remarks about wanting to be “nice” to China, Trump believes the United States had endured decades of unfair trade practices, forcing his administration to take firm corrective measures.

– Ends

With inputs form agencies

Tune In