President Donald Trump met face-to-face with Chinese leader Xi Jinping Thursday, a chance for the leaders of the world’s two largest economies to stabilise relations after months of turmoil over trade issues.

Trump’s aggressive use of tariffs since returning to the White House for a second term combined with China’s retaliatory limits on exports of rare earth elements have given the meeting newfound urgency. There is a mutual recognition that neither side wants to risk blowing up the world economy in ways that could jeopardize their own country’s fortunes.

“We’re going to have a very successful meeting, I have no doubt,” Trump said as they shook hands. The US president added Xi is a “very tough negotiator.” Trump said they “could” possibly sign a deal coming out of the meeting but they h

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