Donald Trump Discusses Meeting with Xi Jinping's Delegation

United States President Donald Trump recently shared insights from his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping during a breakfast with senators. The discussion, held in Malaysia, focused on various issues, including the resolution of rare earth mineral concerns that had previously escalated tensions between the two nations.

Trump noted that what was once viewed as a significant problem involving rare earths was resolved swiftly. "Two months ago, it looked like the whole world was in trouble over rare earths, and that's no longer a subject for people. It was all worked out very quickly. Without tariffs, I couldn't have done it," he stated.

During his recounting of the meeting, Trump characterised Xi Jinping as a "tough man" and a "smart man." He described the atmosphere in the room, particularly the behaviour of the Chinese officials present. According to Trump, the delegation accompanying Xi was notably silent and appeared fearful. "I've never seen men so scared in their lives," he remarked, leading to laughter from the audience.

Trump elaborated that there were six officials flanking Xi, all standing rigidly. He demonstrated their posture by placing his arms behind his back and lifting his chin, indicating how they were at attention throughout the meeting. When Trump attempted to engage one of the officials in conversation, he received no response. "I said, 'Are you gonna answer me?' I got no response. And President Xi didn't let him have any," Trump added, expressing a desire for his own Cabinet members to emulate that level of discipline.

The former president continued his light-hearted commentary, joking with Vice President JD Vance about his own behaviour in meetings. "Why don't you behave like that? JD doesn't behave like that. JD budges into conversations. I want to have that for at least a couple of days, OK, JD?" This quip drew further laughter from the attendees.

The meeting between Trump and Xi comes at a time when trade relations between the United States and China remain tense, with ongoing disputes over tariffs and trade practices. As both nations seek to navigate these complexities, personal interactions at high levels of government continue to draw significant attention from observers and analysts alike.