US President Donald Trump will meet Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea on 30 October. The White House confirmed the high-stakes meeting, scheduled on the sidelines of a major Asian summit.
The encounter has been planned for weeks, though rising 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 recently warned he would impose a 100% tariff on Chinese imports in November if Beijing does not ease restrictions on rare earth exports.
White House finalizes agenda for Gyeongju summit
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed 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 resolve 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 expresses cautious optimism
China’s commerce minister Wang Wentao voiced optimism on Friday about the talks. He said previous negotiations 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 another escalation of the trade conflict with Washington.
Trump’s Asia tour focuses on diplomacy
During his stay in South Korea, Trump will also meet President Lee Jae Myung and attend a working dinner with regional leaders. His wider Asia tour 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 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 believes direct talks with Xi are the best way to resolve disputes over trade, tariffs, and fentanyl trafficking.
Since May, both countries have maintained a fragile trade ceasefire that prevented a new round of heavy tariffs.
However, 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 ultimately decided to proceed with the meeting. China continues to dominate global production of rare earth elements, essential for vehicles, smartphones, and modern technology.
