US President Donald Trump has outlined key demands for China ahead of renewed trade talks, including rare earths, fentanyl, soybeans, and Taiwan. The issues stem from recent tensions such as China’s export restrictions on rare earths and the US’s threat of additional tariffs. Trump also mentioned expanding US access to critical minerals to reduce dependence on Chinese supply chains.
Trump expressed hope that China would resume purchases of American soybeans after imports by Beijing, the world’s largest buyer, plunged amid the tariff standoff. He also urged China to “stop with the fentanyl,” accusing the Chinese authorities of failing to curb exports of the synthetic opioid and its chemical precursors, which he blamed for making the US opioid crisis worse. The inclusion of Taiwan in the demands highlights the sensitivity of the issue, as China considers the island part of its sovereign territory and has repeatedly held military exercises near the region.
US-Taiwan cooperation is a major point of contention for China, which routinely holds military exercises near the island. Taiwan has long bought US weapons to deter the Chinese military, with media reports suggesting Washington plans to approve larger arms sales than during Trump’s first term. China considers Taiwan part of its sovereign territory. Xi has called reunification “inevitable,” saying the use of force is not ruled out.