By bizn_fun 
Trump and Xi have spoken at least three times this year, most recently in September, when they discussed a deal over TikTok’s operations in the US.
They last met in person in 2019, during Trump’s first term as president.
Trump has said that speaking directly with Xi is the most effective approach to resolving persistent tensions between the US and China, like tariffs, trade disputes, fentanyl trafficking and other issues.
The US and China have clung to a fragile trade ceasefire brokered in May, preventing triple-digit tariffs that was threatened between both countries.
But in October, China tightened export controls on rare earths – leading Trump to threaten an additional 100% tariff on Chinese imports. In a post on social media, he slammed Beijing, accusing them of trying to hold the world “captive” and accusing China of becoming “very hostile”.
Trump had then threatened to pull out of the upcoming meeting.
China dominates production of rare earths and certain other key materials, which are key components in cars, smartphones and many other items.