🇺🇸 Trump to Meet Xi Jinping in South Korea on October 30
The White House has officially confirmed that US President Donald Trump will meet Chinese President Xi Jinping on October 30 in South Korea, during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit.
This will be the first face-to-face meeting between both leaders since Trump’s return to office, and it comes at a time when tensions between Washington and Beijing are escalating over trade, technology, and export restrictions.
White House Confirms Bilateral Talks
In a press briefing on Thursday, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that the two leaders will hold an extended discussion on the sidelines of the APEC Summit, scheduled from October 31 to November 1 in Gyeongju, South Korea.
“I’ll be meeting with President Xi of China. We have a long meeting planned to resolve doubts and explore mutual cooperation,” Trump said earlier. “I think something will work out—we have a very good relationship, but this will be a big one.”
Trade Disputes and Rare Earth Tariffs
The meeting follows a renewed wave of trade tensions. Earlier this month, China tightened its export controls on rare earth materials, which are essential for manufacturing smartphones, electric vehicles, and defense systems.
In response, Trump threatened to impose an additional 100% tariff on Chinese goods starting in November if Beijing does not ease those restrictions.
This comes despite a fragile trade ceasefire agreed upon in May 2025, which had temporarily prevented both nations from escalating tariff wars.
Trump’s Wider Asia Tour
The South Korea visit is part of Trump’s multi-country Asian tour.
Before arriving in Gyeongju, he will attend the ASEAN Summit in Malaysia and meet leaders from Japan, Malaysia, and South Korea, including Japan’s new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and South Korea’s President Lee Jae Myung.
A working dinner for regional leaders is also on Trump’s itinerary.
Aiming to Ease US-China Strains
Trump and Xi have spoken three times this year, most recently in September, when they discussed TikTok’s US operations. Their last in-person meeting took place in 2019, during Trump’s first term.
Trump has repeatedly emphasized that direct dialogue with Xi is the most effective way to address issues like tariffs, trade disputes, and fentanyl trafficking.
Despite occasional hostility, both nations appear to be maintaining a cautious diplomatic balance to prevent further escalation.
 Conclusion
The upcoming Trump–Xi meeting in South Korea could play a decisive role in shaping the future of US-China relations, potentially resetting the tone for trade, technology, and global cooperation.
Whether the discussions lead to progress or renewed confrontation remains to be seen—but the world will be watching closely.
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