Trump Set to Meet Xi in South Korea: A Key Diplomatic Encounter
US President Donald Trump is scheduled to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping on October 30 in South Korea, as confirmed by the White House. This meeting will take place on the sidelines of the upcoming Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, which runs from October 31 to November 1 in Gyeongju, a city located in the eastern part of South Korea.
The anticipation surrounding this encounter stems from rising tensions between the world’s two largest economies. With ongoing trade disputes, it will be the first face-to-face discussion between Trump and Xi since Trump assumed office again. Speculation about this meeting had increased amid Trump’s recent threats to impose an additional 100% tariff on a range of Chinese goods unless Beijing rolls back its tightened restrictions on rare earth exports.
During a press briefing, White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt highlighted the significance of this meeting. We have a pretty long meeting scheduled, Trump remarked, expressing optimism that they could resolve critical doubts and foster better relations. He emphasized, I think something will work out. We have a very good relationship, but that will be a big one.
China’s Commerce Minister Wang Wentao also expressed hope over the upcoming negotiations, asserting that past discussions have demonstrated the potential for both nations to address each other’s concerns and advance the economic relationship between China and the US.
In addition to Xi, Trump is expected to meet with South Korean President Lee Jae-myung and attend a working dinner with other regional leaders. This trip to Asia, aimed at strengthening alliances, will also include an appearance at the ASEAN summit in Malaysia, where he will engage with leaders from Malaysia, South Korea, and Japan, notably the new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.
As discussions unfold, both leaders must navigate complex issues, including tariffs, trade disputes, and geopolitical tensions. Trump’s belief that direct communication with Xi is essential to resolving these issues underscores the importance of this upcoming meeting. With the fragile trade ceasefire in place since May, the pressure is on both nations to maintain diplomatic channels and avoid escalation in trade tensions, particularly regarding critical resources like rare earths. The world will be watching closely as Trump and Xi convene in South Korea—an opportunity that holds significant implications for global economics and international relations.