Analyzing Discrepancies in US-China Statements Following Trump-Xi Summit: A Comprehensive Breakdown

Following the significant meeting between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping in South Korea on October 30, China issued an official statement regarding the summit's outcomes, while the US side made public remarks and subsequently published a fact sheet.

In several instances, these communications revealed discrepancies, while other areas - including the arrangement to maintain TikTok's operation in the United States or which companies Beijing will exempt from anti-monopoly investigations - remain unclear pending further details.

China's statements tended to be more general compared to the specifics outlined by the Trump administration. The language describing suspended rare earth licensing measures already indicates potential differences in understanding between the two sides regarding what was actually agreed upon. Beijing may release more detailed information in the coming days.

Here's a comparative analysis of the statements released so far:

Regarding overall assessment, Trump rated the meeting 12 out of 10 and claimed many decisions were finalized. China characterized the consultations as achieving "positive results" based on "equality, respect, and mutual benefit."

On future leadership visits, Trump announced he will visit China in April with President Xi visiting the US later. China's statement noted Trump "looks forward to" visiting China early next year and that Xi was invited to visit the US.

Concerning rare earths and export controls, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told Fox News the US will suspend the BIS 50% rule for one year "in return for the suspension of the rare-earth licensing regime." A White House statement indicated China will suspend export controls on rare earths announced October 9 and issue general licenses effectively removing controls imposed in April 2025 and October 2022. China's statement acknowledged the US will suspend its September 29 BIS 50% "affiliates" rule and China will suspend its October 9 export control measures on rare earths, but made no reference to pre-existing measures.

Regarding agricultural trade, the White House stated China agreed to purchase at least 12 million metric tons of US soybeans in 2025 and minimum 25 million tons annually from 2026 through 2028. China would also resume purchases of US sorghum and hardwood logs. China simply stated a consensus was reached on expanding agricultural trade.

On the fentanyl issue, Trump announced the US will halve a tariff on Chinese goods to 10% following China's commitment to stop the flow of fentanyl precursors, with this reduction effective until November 10, 2026. The White House added that China will halt shipment of certain designated chemicals to North America and strictly control exports of specific chemicals globally. China's statement mentioned the US will remove a 10% tariff related to fentanyl and that consensus was reached on anti-drug cooperation.

Regarding other tariffs, Trump stated the general tariff rate on Chinese goods was reduced from 57% to 47%. The White House noted China will suspend all retaliatory tariffs announced since March 4, 2025, while the US will extend certain Section 301 tariff exclusions until November 10, 2026. China mentioned the US' 24% reciprocal tariffs will remain suspended for one year with China adjusting its countermeasures accordingly.

On maritime, shipping, and shipbuilding matters, the US announced postponing action under Section 301 for one year with China removing its countermeasures. China similarly stated the US will suspend its 301 investigation targeting China's maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding sectors, with China suspending its countermeasures.

Concerning investments and TikTok, Trump expressed optimism about increased Chinese investments in the US, while Treasury Secretary Bessent mentioned the TikTok sale will proceed "in the coming weeks and months." China stated the US made positive commitments regarding investment and that China will work to properly resolve TikTok-related issues.

On semiconductor chips, US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said Blackwell chips were "not discussed" during the meeting, while noting China will negotiate directly with companies like Nvidia, terminate various probes targeting US firms in the semiconductor supply chain, and resume trade from Nexperia's Chinese facilities. China's statement made no mention of these issues.

The US confirmed continuing an investigation into China's compliance with a trade deal from Trump's first term, while China did not address this matter.

Regarding energy, the US mentioned China will purchase more US energy, likely including a "very large scale" transaction involving Alaskan oil and gas. China made no reference to energy purchases.

Finally, the White House stated China will suspend or remove all retaliatory non-tariff countermeasures implemented since March 4, 2025, including the listing of certain US companies on its unreliable entity list. China did not mention this in its statement.