[Summary News] Trump Hesitant on Tomahawk Sales to Ukraine Amid Upcoming Xi Meeting > 월드뉴스

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In a series of significant diplomatic interactions, U.S. President Donald Trump expressed reluctance to sell Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine during a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Meanwhile, Trump also confirmed an upcoming meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea, highlighting ongoing trade tensions and the potential for a new trade deal.

### Trump’s Hesitation on Military Support for Ukraine

On Friday, during a White House meeting with President Zelenskyy, Trump indicated he was hesitant to approve the sale of long-range Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine. Zelenskyy had proposed a deal where Ukraine would provide advanced drones to the U.S. in exchange for the missiles, which Ukrainian officials believe are crucial for pressuring Russian President Vladimir Putin into serious peace negotiations. However, Trump emphasized the importance of maintaining U.S. military readiness, stating, “I have an obligation also to make sure that we’re completely stocked up as a country.” He expressed a preference for a resolution to the conflict over military escalation, saying, “We'd much rather have the war be over to be honest.”

### Upcoming APEC Summit and Meeting with Xi Jinping

In a related diplomatic context, Trump confirmed that he will meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea in the coming weeks. This meeting is set to coincide with the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, which is scheduled to begin later this month. Trump described the relationship with China as positive, asserting, “China wants to talk, and we like talking to China.” He expressed optimism about the potential for a trade deal, stating, “I think we will make a deal that will be good for both.”

### Trade Tensions and Rare Earths Export Controls

The backdrop to the upcoming meeting is marked by heightened trade tensions between the U.S. and China, particularly following China's recent decision to tighten export controls on rare earths. These materials are vital for the production of various military and commercial products. Trump, while discussing his tariff policies, claimed that the U.S. is “in a very strong” position ahead of the anticipated discussions with Xi. When asked if the meeting could lead to a trade deal, Trump responded, “(There) could be,” indicating a willingness to negotiate despite the existing tensions.

### Conclusion

As Trump navigates complex international relations, his hesitance to provide military support to Ukraine juxtaposes with his proactive approach to engaging with China. The outcomes of these diplomatic efforts could significantly impact both regional stability in Eastern Europe and global trade dynamics.

### Sources
[1] feed.koreatimes.co.kr
[2] feed.koreatimes.co.kr