Episode 519: Talks in Transition: Can the U.S. and China Cool the Conflict?

Today, Martha, Les, Morgan, and Jess discuss the latest from President Trump’s Asia tour — with stops in Malaysia, Japan, and South Korea ahead of this week’s high-profile U.S.–China meeting at APEC. With a new framework reportedly in place between Trump and Xi, including quarterly check-ins, Chinese purchases of U.S. agricultural goods, cooperation on critical minerals, and a fentanyl agreement, the conversation turns to what real progress looks like.

Will this meeting mark a genuine thaw in U.S.–China relations or just a temporary easing of tensions? Can these trade and minerals agreements meaningfully rebalance competition, or do they simply restore the uneasy status quo? With the U.S. economy in question, could this meeting deliver practical gains to American workers and industries – or will the promises fade once the cameras turn off?

More information on today’s topic: 

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c1lqj5lz4geo 

@marthamillerdc

@nottvjessjones

@lestermunson

@morganlroach

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