Asia markets mixed ahead of Trump-Xi talks

May 14, 2026 (MLN): Asia markets traded mixed on Thursday as investors closely monitored a crucial meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, hoping for signals on the direction of global trade relations and economic cooperation between the world’s two largest economies.

Japanese equities ended with mixed performance, with the Nikkei 225 edging up 0.27%, while the broader Topix index slipped 0.23%. In South Korea, the Kospi advanced 0.38% and the tech-heavy Kosdaq surged 1.31%, according to CNBC.

Shares of Samsung Electronics jumped as much as 5.46%, reaching a record high after suffering heavy losses in the previous session amid concerns over a looming labor strike.

The company had witnessed a sharp decline in market value after unions threatened an 18-day strike beginning May 21, potentially involving more than 41,000 workers.

South Korea’s Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheol warned that any prolonged disruption at Samsung could negatively impact the country’s exports, economic growth, and financial markets due to the company’s significant role in the national economy.

Meanwhile, Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 index fell 0.16%, showing cautious investor sentiment across regional markets.

Chinese markets remained upbeat ahead of the Trump-Xi talks, with Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index climbing 1.32% and mainland China’s CSI 300 gaining 0.27%.

U.S. President Donald Trump arrived in Beijing on Wednesday alongside several prominent American business leaders, including Elon Musk and Jensen Huang, highlighting the economic significance of the summit.

The investment bank noted that China may offer increased purchases of U.S. agricultural products, energy supplies, and aircraft in return for avoiding additional tariffs from Washington.

The bank also maintained a positive outlook on Chinese assets, citing the country’s export competitiveness and relatively undervalued currency.

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