Washington, D.C. — The White House has confirmed that U.S. President Donald Trump will meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping next week in South Korea, marking a high-stakes diplomatic encounter amid renewed trade tensions and global economic uncertainty.
According to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, the two leaders will hold a bilateral meeting on October 30 as part of President Trump’s broader Asia tour, which includes stops in Malaysia, Japan, and South Korea ahead of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in Gyeongju.
Leavitt stated that the meeting will take place “on the morning of October 30” before President Trump returns to Washington, though she did not confirm whether he will attend the APEC summit itself.
Trump Confirms “Long Meeting” with Xi Jinping
President Trump personally confirmed the meeting earlier this week, describing it as a significant opportunity to “work out a lot of our doubts and questions” following months of escalating trade and geopolitical friction between the world’s two largest economies.
“We have a pretty long meeting scheduled,” Trump said during a joint press conference with NATO chief Mark Rutte at the White House.
“I think something will work out. We have a very good relationship, but that will be a big one.”
The upcoming Trump-Xi meeting will mark the first direct dialogue between the two leaders since the United States reimposed sweeping tariffs on Chinese imports and introduced new sanctions targeting Russia’s major oil companies earlier this week.
Trade Tensions and Global Stakes
The meeting in South Korea comes amid heightened U.S.-China tensions over trade, energy, and regional security. President Trump recently raised tariffs on Chinese imports by 30 percent and has hinted at further increases if Beijing fails to meet Washington’s demands on trade balance and intellectual property rights.
In addition, Trump has urged Xi to halt Chinese purchases of Russian oil, following the U.S. Treasury’s announcement of new sanctions against Rosneft and Lukoil — Russia’s two largest energy firms — as part of efforts to pressure President Vladimir Putin over the ongoing Ukraine war.
“These sanctions are a clear message to Moscow,” Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said. “President Putin must end this senseless war immediately.”
Analysts say Trump’s meeting with Xi in South Korea could reshape Asia-Pacific diplomacy, potentially influencing trade policies, security cooperation, and Washington’s strategic positioning in the Indo-Pacific region.
Trump’s 2025 Asia Tour Schedule
The White House outlined a packed itinerary for President Trump’s Asia tour:
- Friday, Oct. 25: Trump departs Washington, D.C.
- Sunday, Oct. 26: Arrives in Malaysia for the ASEAN Summit, where he will meet Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and attend the ASEAN Leaders’ Working Dinner.
- Monday, Oct. 27: Travels to Tokyo, Japan.
- Tuesday, Oct. 28: Holds a bilateral meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.
- Wednesday, Oct. 29: Travels to Busan, South Korea, for meetings with President Lee Jae Myung and to deliver a keynote address at the APEC CEO Luncheon.
- Thursday, Oct. 30: Meets Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea.
While earlier reports suggested the Trump-Xi summit could be held in Busan, South Korean officials told The Korea Economic Daily that the meeting would take place in Gyeongju, the official venue for the 2025 APEC Summit.
South Korea’s Role as a Diplomatic Bridge
South Korean officials have emphasized the significance of hosting both U.S. and Chinese leaders at a time when the region faces multiple security challenges.
“Through a series of summits between South Korea, the United States, and China, we will strengthen our position as a platform for peace, prosperity, and stability in the region,” said Wi Sung-lac, South Korea’s Presidential Security Adviser.
Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan also noted that discussions between Seoul and Washington remain ongoing regarding a $350 billion investment agreement, part of efforts to reduce tariffs on South Korean exports to the U.S.
“We remain at odds on some implementation details,” Kim said, “but both sides are committed to finding a way forward.”
Expectations from the Trump-Xi Summit
Experts believe the Trump-Xi meeting could serve as a critical opportunity to ease trade tensions, address supply chain disruptions, and discuss energy cooperation amid global instability.
Key agenda items are expected to include:
- Trade negotiations and tariff reduction
- Chinese investments in Russia
- Semiconductor supply chain security
- North Korea’s nuclear program
- South China Sea territorial disputes
Diplomatic observers note that both Trump and Xi have incentives to project strength and stability — Trump ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, and Xi as he faces economic slowdown pressures at home.
APEC Summit in Gyeongju: Setting the Stage
The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, hosted this year in Gyeongju, South Korea, will bring together leaders from 21 Pacific Rim economies on October 31 and November 1.
APEC aims to foster free trade and economic cooperation across the region, which accounts for nearly 60% of global GDP. While the White House has not confirmed Trump’s participation, his meeting with Xi is expected to set the tone for discussions at the summit.
🔑 Key Details
- Event: Trump-Xi Meeting 2025
- Date: October 30, 2025
- Location: Gyeongju (or Busan), South Korea
- Occasion: Ahead of APEC Summit 2025
- Focus Areas: Trade, tariffs, energy, regional stability
- Tour Stops: Malaysia, Japan, South Korea
- Leaders Involved: Trump, Xi, Anwar, Takaichi, Lee Jae Myung
Leave a Reply