Trump-Xi Showdown Casts Shadow Over Global Economy

The highly anticipated meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping has cast a shadow over the global economy. The talks, set to take place in Washington on Thursday, will cover crucial issues such as tariffs and technology related to the world's two largest economies.

Tensions have ramped up since the last meeting between the leaders in May, with US officials criticizing China for not living up to the terms of their one-year trade truce. Everything from tariffs to artificial intelligence controls is expected to be on the table during the negotiations.

Chinese export curbs on critical minerals and rare earths have caused supply shocks for US and other global companies, looming over the meeting like a specter. The outcome of the talks will determine whether the trade truce will be extended by a year or if the US side will insist on a shorter timeframe to pressure China into more concessions.

The European Union is also keeping a close eye on the developments, with its own talks with China set for early October. Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic emphasized that the meeting with China must show concrete results to avoid countermeasures from the bloc.