Former US ambassador to China Gary Locke said the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) will likely top the agenda as Donald Trump meets Xi Jinping this week. 

Sharing his views with CGTN, Locke, who once served as US Commerce Secretary, said the two leaders are also expected to cover trade and issues over Taiwan and the South China Sea. 

Amid differences in opinions between the two countries, Locke said China and the US should work to bridge gaps and enhance bilateral ties. 

Trump has threatened to impose a 45 percent tariff on Chinese imports. Locke said this would make plenty of goods more expensive for American consumers. For instance, most of the microwaves on US store shelves were made in China. Apple’s popular iPhones are also built in Chinese factories.

China would also retaliate in the event that a stiff tariff on its goods is imposed, hurting several US industries. Simply put, Locke said, no one wins. 

President Trump said his country would act alone to deal with the DPRK for its missile tests and nuclear program if China “does not help”. Locke said China in fact has been working with both the United Nations and the United States over sanctions against the DPRK. He said the two countries can try to put more international pressure on the DPRK to force it back to the negotiation table.

Locke said he expects talks between Xi and Trump to be frank, allowing the two governments to understand each other better and setting the stage for more productive discussions on various issues.