Talks mark a breakthrough – but much remains before a deal is signedpublished at 09:18 GMT
09:18 GMT
Laura Bicker
China correspondent, reporting from Busan
Image source, ReutersWe’re waiting for clarity on quite a lot of things.
When we heard Donald Trump say a trade deal between the two countries will be signed “pretty soon”, for me that underscored exactly what went on.
On Air Force One, the US president was pretty bullish – it sounded like the deal had been done.
But there is no ink on paper – and that is the crucial part right now.
First of all, when it comes to those rare earth metals, Beijing has for now decided to relinquish its chokehold.
But China has realised the hold that it has on the US and the rest of the world.
How much is it willing to relinquish? That’s not something I’ve seen in the Chinese readout.
It’s also really interesting when you listen to Chinese state media, where the reaction is much more subdued.
President Xi, according to state media, has urged both sides to talk more as soon as possible. That is not a done deal.
Is it a breakthrough though? Yes. Both sides have finally managed to get together – and stepped back from the brink of a global trade war.
But there’s still much to be done before a deal is signed.