Trade & Tariff Discussions - The meeting between President Trump and President Xi Jinping aimed to address trade issues, including tariffs, with a looming November 10th deadline for a trade deal [1][2] - The US has approximately 55% tariffs on Chinese goods, while China's retaliation is around 10% [40] - The US President had threatened 100% extra tariffs but seemed to have backed off [6][14][45] - Potential outcomes include lowering existing tariffs or refraining from imposing new ones, which could positively impact world markets [41][44] Key Issues on the Agenda - Discussions included tariffs, fighting fentanyl, and access to rare earth minerals [1][6][44][49][50] - The US President blamed China for large amounts of fentanyl entering the US, while China denied involvement [6] - Taiwan's independence was a topic of concern, with worries about the US potentially shifting its position [7][8][9] - The formalization of the TikTok deal and China buying soybeans from American farmers were also potential discussion points [35][36] Geopolitical & Military Posturing - The US President announced the possibility of allowing South Korea to pursue nuclear submarines [14][24][56] - The US President stated that the US has more nuclear weapons than any other country and instructed the Department of War to start testing nuclear weapons [11][12][13][48][55] Market & Economic Implications - The markets are at record highs and priced for perfection, so stability in the US-China relationship is crucial [52][53][54] - Potential for market disappointment if the meeting doesn't yield positive outcomes [54] - A trade deal with South Korea involves approximately $350 billion in investment in the United States [28]

China has detained church leader Ezra Jin, whose ties to the U.S. mean the move could further strain Beijing-Washington relations at an already sensitive moment. https://t.co/OO1BbxDZBe ...

China has detained church leader Ezra Jin, whose ties to the U.S. mean the move could further strain Beijing-Washington relations at an already sensitive moment https://t.co/WxBRcdT7Oq ...