In partnership with
In recent weeks, digital assets have mirrored global diplomatic moods more than social media trends. Reports that Beijing might tighten exports of rare earth minerals prompted a sharp market reaction, followed by Washington’s counter-threat to impose 100% tariffs on all Chinese imports. Equities fell — and crypto wasn’t far behind.
That narrative shifted on October 26, when U.S. and Chinese officials wrapped up working-level discussions ahead of the Trump–Xi meeting at the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Korea. With both sides hinting at progress toward a preliminary framework, markets turned optimistic — and Bitcoin rallied right alongside.
What’s on the Table
The Trump–Xi meeting, scheduled for October 30, is expected to focus on a mix of headline trade measures designed to let both countries declare partial victories. These include:
A one-year postponement of China’s planned export restrictions on rare earth materials
The withdrawal of Washington’s proposed 100% tariff threat
Commitments from Beijing to boost imports of U.S. soybeans
Easing of U.S. export controls and port fees for Chinese shipping
These proposals are pragmatic rather than ideological. Each side gets a win — one in the name of economic stability, the other in the optics of political strength.
The Sticking Points
Beyond the trade agenda, the geopolitical friction remains. Ukraine continues to dominate Western diplomatic priorities. President Trump, eyeing legacy-defining peace credentials, is seeking China’s help in urging Moscow toward a ceasefire. Beijing, however, has been careful to distance itself from U.S. sanctions on Russian energy firms.
Taiwan and Hong Kong are also expected to surface briefly in discussions. Washington maintains arms sales to Taipei without official recognition, while Beijing remains vocal over the imprisonment of Jimmy Lai, the Hong Kong publisher and pro-democracy figure. The best outcome for both leaders may simply be to avoid escalation.
Shoppers are adding to cart for the holidays
Over the next year, Roku predicts that 100% of the streaming audience will see ads. For growth marketers in 2026, CTV will remain an important “safe space” as AI creates widespread disruption in the search and social channels. Plus, easier access to self-serve CTV ad buying tools and targeting options will lead to a surge in locally-targeted streaming campaigns.
Read our guide to find out why growth marketers should make sure CTV is part of their 2026 media mix.
Crypto’s Diplomatic Pulse
None of these developments directly regulate digital currencies, yet crypto’s price behavior increasingly reflects the global diplomatic climate. The sector’s volatility is now more aligned with macroeconomic indicators than influencer chatter.
That shift marks a quiet but important milestone: digital assets are becoming part of the mainstream financial ecosystem. The same forces that move commodities, equities, and bonds — trade deals, export policies, global risk sentiment — now shape crypto’s trajectory as well.
In short, crypto has grown up. It’s not the outsider thumbing its nose at the system anymore — it’s trading within it, tuned to every policy shift and diplomatic headline.
Stay updated with the latest insights—subscribe to our newsletter for real-time market analysis!