WASHINGTON 

US President Donald Trump said Wednesday that he expects to lower fentanyl-related tariffs on China during his upcoming meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea.

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One en route from Japan to South Korea, Trump said Beijing would cooperate on curbing exports of fentanyl, an opioid drug that has caused thousands of deaths in the US.

“I expect to be lowering that because I believe that they’re going to help us with the fentanyl situation,” he said.

He added that tighter border controls are already making a difference.

Trump also said there will be discussions of rare earth elements and US farmers.

“We’re going to work out something. We’re doing very well with rare earths. We're, I think, going to make a big step with fentanyl,” he said.

Asked about Taiwan, he said he is unsure whether it would be discussed.

“There’s not that much to ask about it. Taiwan is Taiwan, but the beautiful part about Taiwan, frankly, they understand it, is we’re bringing a lot of those chip makers into the United States,” he added, referring to US pressure on its trade partners to relocate exporting industries to US soil.

The president called ties with China “very good,” adding: “We are going to have a great meeting with China’s Xi.”

China touts 'most resolute' anti-drug policies

Trump’s stop in South Korea marks the final leg of his Asia trip, following agreements on rare earth elements in Japan and ongoing trade talks with Seoul.

The Xi-Trump meeting, expected on Thursday, will focus on fentanyl, trade, and other bilateral issues.

Commenting on Trump's statement on fentanyl-related tariffs, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said that Beijing's position on this issue is consistent and clear.

"China is the country with the most resolute, thorough, and exemplary anti-drug policies," Guo told reporters at a news conference.

He added that China is also one of the countries with the most restricted substances and the strictest regulations in the world.

"China sympathizes with the fentanyl crisis suffered by the American people, has provided assistance with positive results, and remains open to continuing cooperation with the United States," he said, adding that Washington should take concrete actions to create the necessary conditions for bilateral cooperation.