American President Donald Trump said Taiwan, rare earth minerals, fentanyl, and stalled soybean purchases will top the United States (US) agenda when he meets Chinese President Xi Jinping next week at the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation summit in South Korea. He warned that tariffs of up to 100% on Chinese goods will take effect if no deal is reached by his deadline of 1 November.

Trump said he expects Taiwan to be raised in discussions with Xi and warned against China: “playing the rare earth game,” after Beijing imposed tighter export controls on critical minerals. He also demanded China halt fentanyl exports and resume buying US soybeans.

Despite escalating rhetoric, Trump said he still expects a: “fair and great” trade deal with China.