US President Donald Trump will meet Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea on 30 October. The White House confirmed the meeting, set to take place on the sidelines of a major Asian summit.
The encounter has been planned for weeks, though escalating tensions between Washington and Beijing nearly derailed it. This will be the first in-person meeting between the two leaders since Trump returned to office.
Trump has warned he will impose a 100% tariff on Chinese goods in November if Beijing does not relax its restrictions on rare earth exports.
White House confirms agenda for Gyeongju summit
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt announced the meeting on Thursday. It will take place 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 settle many doubts and build on our tremendous strengths together.” He added, “I think something will work out. We have a very good relationship, but this will be a big one.”
Beijing expresses cautious optimism
China’s commerce minister Wang Wentao voiced optimism on Friday about the talks. 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 remarks suggest Beijing hopes to ease tensions and prevent a deeper trade conflict with Washington.
Trump’s Asia tour strengthens diplomatic ties
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.
The White House said Trump will also meet leaders from Malaysia, South Korea, and Japan, including Japan’s new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.
Fragile trade truce faces renewed strain
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 dialogue with Xi is the most effective way to address disputes over trade, tariffs, and fentanyl trafficking.
Since May, both countries have observed a fragile trade ceasefire that prevented a new wave 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, accusing Beijing of acting “very hostile” and trying to hold the world “captive.”
Although he briefly considered canceling, Trump ultimately decided to proceed with the meeting. China remains the dominant global producer of rare earth elements, essential for manufacturing vehicles, smartphones, and advanced technologies.
