Are the US and China about to end their trade war?

Oct 29, 2025

Karine Jean-Pierre, former White House press secretary and senior Biden administration adviser, discusses her book and the evolving Democratic Party. She criticizes Democrats for losing their fight for vulnerable communities and emphasizes the importance of standing firm on LGBTQ rights. Karine spotlights candidates like Zoran Mamdani who are redefining engagement strategies, while urging a focus on rebuilding democracy and civic participation. She raises concerns about accountability in upcoming elections and the risk of neglecting immediate challenges in favor of future distractions.

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ANECDOTE

Spectacular Airport Welcome In Busan

Anthony Zurcher described the red-carpet welcome for Donald Trump in Busan with a military band and 21-gun salute.
He noted the surreal switch from Hail to the Chief to a band rendition of YMCA that highlighted local efforts to flatter Trump.

ANECDOTE

Air Force One Scenic Arrival

Anthony described Air Force One's scenic flight over Mount Fuji and F-16 escorts into Busan.
He said the jet escort and views made the arrival especially striking for the pool press.

INSIGHT

Deal Optimism Meets Chinese Caution

Anthony and Justin flagged optimism about a US-China deal covering soybeans, TikTok, fentanyl and rare earths easing.
They warned Xi will drive a hard bargain and nothing is final until both leaders agree in person.

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President Donald Trump is topping off his whirlwind trip around Asia with a long-anticipated meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday. After months of an escalating trade war, Trump says a “good deal” is close to being agreed. It also includes negotiations on TikTok's US operations.

Anthony joins Sarah and Justin from South Korea, where he’s been hot on the president’s heels throughout his trip, to discuss how the meeting is expected to go and how much difference it could make to everyday Americans.

And Justin speaks to former White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre about her belief that the Democratic Party unfairly pushed Joe Biden out of the 2024 race, and why she thinks they are abandoning LGBTQ issues.

HOSTS: • Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter • Sarah Smith, North America Editor

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This episode was made by Rufus Gray and Alix Pickles. The technical producer was Michael Regaard. The series producer is George Dabby. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

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