Trump Prepares for APEC Summit in South Korea, Eyes Xi Meeting

President Donald Trump is set to travel to South Korea in late October 2025 for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit. This visit may pave the way for significant discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping and potentially North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. The White House is finalizing arrangements for Trump’s attendance in Gyeongju, where trade ministers from across the Asia-Pacific region will convene.

While the summit primarily focuses on economic cooperation, U.S. officials indicate that discussions may extend to a bilateral meeting with Xi. A White House representative stated, “A visit to South Korea is being discussed, which would focus on economic collaboration,” adding that agenda items would include “trade, defense and civil nuclear cooperation.”

Potential Meetings with Xi and Kim

The invitation for Trump to participate in the APEC summit came from South Korean President Lee Jae Myung. He suggested that this gathering could serve as an opportunity for Trump to meet with Kim. Trump has expressed interest in such a meeting, telling reporters, “I will do that, and we’ll have talks. He’d like to meet with me.”

This visit follows a recent meeting in Beijing where Xi hosted Kim, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Trump criticized this gathering on social media while asserting that he maintains strong relationships with these leaders.

Trade and Geopolitical Dynamics

In September 2025, Trump stated that Xi had assured him that China would not invade Taiwan while he is in office, despite ongoing trade and geopolitical tensions. Trump recalled Xi’s assertion, saying, “I will never do it as long as you’re president,” which he interprets as a commitment against invasion during his tenure. China claims Taiwan as part of its territory and has promised to reunify it, potentially by force, a stance firmly rejected by Taiwan.

Former national security adviser John Bolton has criticized Trump’s tariff strategy, arguing that it has undermined decades of efforts to strengthen ties with India and counter China’s influence. Bolton’s comments came as Modi engaged with Putin and Xi at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Tianjin, China. He noted that Trump’s tariff policies have allowed Xi to “reset the East,” undermining the West’s long-term strategies to engage India away from its Cold War connections with Russia.

The upcoming APEC summit represents a critical moment for Trump to navigate complex trade relationships and geopolitical strategies in the Asia-Pacific region. As discussions unfold, the potential for direct engagement with both Xi and Kim could significantly influence U.S. foreign policy in the area.