SEOUL: US President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping have begun crucial talks in South Korea aimed at reaching a deal to end the long-running trade war between the two economic superpowers.

Trump, who had appeared relaxed during much of his Asia tour after receiving lavish hospitality and praise, seemed noticeably tense ahead of Thursday morning’s discussions.

The talks come after a fragile truce reached in May that partially rolled back retaliatory tariffs that had soared beyond 100% on both sides.

However, tensions flared again in recent weeks, particularly over China’s access to advanced semiconductor chips and US dependence on rare earth minerals from Beijing.

Observers say Beijing has “escalated to de-escalate,” entering the negotiations from a position of strength.

“Xi will feel he has a strong hand in this meeting,” report correspondents in Seoul.

Analysts believe the summit could produce a breakthrough, including a final decision on the sale of Chinese-owned TikTok’s US operations — a sticking point in the relationship.

The meeting is also seen as an opportunity to inject some stability into an increasingly volatile US-China dynamic.

Ahead of the summit, Trump posted on Truth Social, ordering the US Department of War to begin testing a new initiative — a move seen by some as an attempt to project strength before sitting down with Xi.