US President Donald Trump will meet Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea on 30 October. The White House confirmed the meeting, which will take place on the sidelines of a major Asian summit.
The encounter has been in preparation for weeks but was threatened by rising tensions between Washington and Beijing. It will mark the first in-person meeting between the two leaders since Trump returned to office.
Trump recently warned he would impose a 100% tariff on Chinese imports in November if Beijing does not ease its restrictions on rare earth exports.
White House confirms agenda for Gyeongju talks
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the meeting on Thursday. It will occur during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit (Apec) in Gyeongju, South Korea, from 31 October to 1 November.
Trump said, “I’ll be meeting with President Xi of China. We have a long meeting planned. We can address many doubts and strengthen our tremendous assets together.” He added, “I think something will work out. We have a very good relationship, but this will be a big one.”
Beijing signals willingness to cooperate
China’s commerce minister Wang Wentao expressed optimism on Friday about the upcoming discussions. He said previous rounds of dialogue showed “it is entirely possible to find solutions to each other’s concerns” and “promote healthy, stable, and sustainable economic and trade relations.”
His comments suggest Beijing aims to calm tensions and avoid another escalation in its trade conflict with Washington.
Trump’s Asia tour highlights diplomatic outreach
During his visit to South Korea, Trump will also meet President Lee Jae Myung and attend a working dinner with regional leaders. His Asia tour also includes a stop in Malaysia for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) summit on Sunday.
According to the White House, Trump will also meet leaders from Malaysia, South Korea, and Japan, including Japan’s new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.
Fragile trade truce faces new test
Trump and Xi have already spoken three times this year, most recently in September, when they discussed TikTok’s operations in the United States. Their last in-person meeting took place in 2019, during Trump’s first term.
Trump maintains that direct talks with Xi are the most effective way to resolve disputes over trade, tariffs, and fentanyl trafficking.
Since May, both countries have observed a fragile trade ceasefire that prevented a new round of heavy tariffs.
But China’s recent tightening of export controls on rare earth materials reignited tensions. Trump responded by threatening a 100% tariff on Chinese imports and accused Beijing of acting “very hostile” and trying to hold the world “captive.”
Although he briefly considered canceling, Trump decided to proceed with the meeting. China continues to dominate global production of rare earth elements, vital for cars, smartphones, and modern technology.
