A date has been set for a meeting between the presidents of the world's two largest economies to resolve the trade disputes that divide them. U.S. President Donald Trump and his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, will meet next Thursday, October 30. 

The announcement was made by White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt during a press conference, which revealed that the two leaders will meet at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, which will take place this year in South Korea.

This will be the first face-to-face meeting between Trump and Xi Jinping since the Republican returned to the White House in January of this year. The last face-to-face meeting between the two leaders took place in 2019, during Donald Trump's first term.

The two presidents have spoken at least three times this year, intensifying their exchanges during September. Trump has repeatedly said that the best way to resolve trade disputes between the U.S. and China is in person. Next week, they are scheduled to meet outside the conference to discuss issues such as tariffs, export restrictions, agricultural imports, and fentanyl. 

Donald Trump has praised his relationship with his Chinese counterpart, which is now likely to be put to the test, after weeks of escalating trade tensions between the two countries.

Washington has been imposing more tariffs on Chinese technology companies and Asian ships in American ports. In turn, Beijing has increased its export controls on rare earths and other essential minerals. In response, Trump threatened to impose a 100% tariff on all Chinese imports starting in November if China did not ease its restrictions on rare earths.

Trump is expected to travel to Asia this Friday, with stops scheduled in Malaysia and Japan. It should be noted that the trade agreement between the two superpowers expires on November 10 - unless it is extended.