Trump's Meeting with Xi

Trump Caught on Hot Mic

President Donald Trump revealed new details about his summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping, telling officials at a diplomatic dinner in Seoul that their meeting is expected to last “three to four hours.”

The remarks came on a hot mic as Trump sat down for the meal hosted by South Korean President Lee Jae Myung.

Trump said he expects the talks to produce a “very, very satisfactory” outcome for both countries, adding, “I think it’s going to be a very good meeting. I look forward to it tomorrow morning (which is today and already concluded) when we meet.”

The meeting with Xi comes during the final leg of Trump’s five-day trip through Asia, which included stops in Japan and South Korea. The primary focus of his talks with President Lee will be trade and security.

Henry Haggard, former minister counselor for political affairs at the U.S. Embassy in Seoul, said Trump’s priority is securing a major trade agreement along with $350 billion in investments into the United States. He added that Trump is also expected to urge Lee to take a stronger stance against China and boost South Korea’s defense spending.

Lee, who leads a left-leaning government, has been cautious about deepening security ties with Washington for fear of retaliation from Beijing. Observers say the success of the meeting will depend largely on how effectively Lee can build a personal rapport with Trump.

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