US stresses backing for Japan, Korea and Taiwan ahead of Trump-Xi summit

September 21, 2026 11:23 PM

US stresses backing for Japan, Korea and Taiwan ahead of Trump-Xi summit

The United States on Monday reiterated its commitment to the defense of key Asian allies Japan and South Korea, and the three nations expressed support for Taiwan ahead of a summit this week between US President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping. Analysts say the US allies are anxious that Trump may offer concessions to Xi including over Taiwan and trade in return for an economic win with Beijing when he hosts Xi at the White House in Washington on Thursday. Officials say both Japanes...

China signals tariff cuts, advances in farm market access after Trump-Xi summit

May 18, 2026 12:47 PM

China signals tariff cuts, advances in farm market access after Trump-Xi summit

China and the United States have agreed to expand agricultural trade through tariff reductions and tackle non-tariff barriers and market access issues, China's commerce ministry said on Saturday after this week's summit in Beijing. The agreements are "preliminary" and will be "finalised as soon as possible," the ministry said following U.S. President Donald Trump's visit. China's farm imports from the U.S. still face an additional 10% levy after last year's rounds of tit-for-tat tariffs sharpl...

Ahead of Trump-Xi summit, China warns on US arms sales to Taiwan

May 13, 2026 1:56 PM

Ahead of Trump-Xi summit, China warns on US arms sales to Taiwan

China reiterated its strong opposition to U.S. arms sales to Taiwan on Wednesday, calling on Washington to honour its commitments ahead of U.S. President Donald Trump's arrival for a summit in Beijing. The issue of democratically governed Taiwan, which China views as its own territory, and weapons sales to Taipei is certain to be discussed during two days of meetings this week between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. The U.S. is bound by law to provide Taiwan with the means to defend it...