Key meeting on the horizon
Donald Trump is set to meet Xi Jinping on October 30 during his Asian tour in South Korea, the White House confirmed.
The meeting will take place on the sidelines of the Asia‑Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) leaders’ summit, amid escalating trade and diplomatic tensions between the U.S. and China.
According to White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, the leaders are expected to engage in a bilateral summit on the morning of October 30 local time, before President Trump departs.
Why it matters now
This encounter is the first face-to-face meeting between Trump and Xi since 2019.
It comes at a moment of heightened tension: the U.S. has announced sweeping tariffs on Chinese imports, and Beijing has responded with export-controls on rare earths and strategic materials.
The meeting offers both sides a chance to stabilize relations and possibly push for progress on trade, technology and security—but the timing makes expectations cautious.
What’s on the agenda
While the White House has not published a detailed agenda, several issues are believed to be on the table:
- Trade and tariffs: Trump has pushed for deeper access to Chinese markets and warned of additional levies.
- Technology and strategic minerals: China’s export limitations of rare earths have triggered U.S. concern.
- Geopolitical and security issues: Discussions may touch on Russia, Ukraine, Taiwan and regional stability in Asia. Trump has stated the conflict in Ukraine will be a priority.
Location, schedule & logistical notes
Trump departs the U.S. Friday night for an Asian tour with stops in Malaysia, Japan and South Korea.
He will arrive in South Korea on October 29 or 30, likely traveling to either Busan or Gyeongju where the APEC summit is hosted. The bilateral meeting with Xi is expected on the morning of October 30 local time.
Challenges ahead
- High expectations, low margin: Both sides will aim for progress, but breakthrough agreements are unlikely given entrenched positions.
- Domestic pressures: Trump faces pressure from U.S. industry and agricultural interests. China must balance its economic and strategic imperatives.
- Regional dynamics: The meeting occurs in South Korea—a key U.S. ally—and Seoul will be keen to ensure its interests are not sidelined.
- Public messaging vs. substance: A successful photo-op is easy; meaningful outcomes are harder. Observers will scrutinize whether any concrete commitments emerge or just rhetoric.
The takeaway
The Trump–Xi meeting next week in South Korea signals a potential thaw—or at least a reset—in U.S.–China bilateral relations amid a tense backdrop. While the venue and timing carry symbolic weight, the real litmus test will be whether the encounter leads to tangible progress on trade, technology and regional security. Until then, the world will be watching closely.
