Here is what went down 👇
Read this especially if you care about global economics, US China tensions, or how leadership looks on the world stage.
đź’Ľ What Happened
Trump left South Korea after sealing mini trade deals with Xi, cutting tariffs and opening Chinese imports of US soybeans and rare earths.
Then Xi stayed behind to headline the APEC summit, using Trump’s absence to cast China as the defender of open markets.
📦 Xi’s Message
The more turbulent the times, the more we must work together, Xi told leaders. Translation do not follow the US in decoupling supply chains. Beijing says investing in China is investing in the future.
🇺🇸 The US Counterpoint
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent representing Trump said America supports fair and reciprocal trade, not one sided deals.
He argued that diversifying away from China builds resilient supply chains.
🤝 Who Xi Met With
Xi met Japan’s new PM Sanae Takaichi, Canada’s Mark Carney, and Thailand’s Anutin Charnvirakul, a set of photo ops showing China’s diplomatic reach.
He will meet South Korea’s President Lee tomorrow to discuss North Korea’s nuclear program.
🧩 Why This Matters
Trump skepticism of global forums fits his America first mindset but skipping APEC gives China the stage to shape the narrative.
With AI, supply chain fragility, and aging populations reshaping Asia, the US risks looking disengaged.
🧠The Bottom Line
Trump plays bilateral hardball. Xi plays the multilateral diplomat. Both are angling for influence. Should America rejoin global trade clubs or keep cutting one on one deals that put US interests first?
📬 Want to Read More Articles Like This?
Subscribe to KindJoe’s Daily Newsletter. We break down money, markets, and madness in a way your group chat would respect. No fluff. No fear mongering. Just facts with flavor. 👉 Join free at KindJoe.com