US President Donald Trump will meet Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea on 30 October. The White House confirmed the long-awaited meeting, which will take place on the sidelines of a major Asian summit.
The encounter has been in preparation for weeks, though rising friction between Washington and Beijing nearly derailed it. It will mark the first in-person meeting between the two leaders since Trump returned to the presidency.
Trump recently warned he would impose a 100% tariff on Chinese imports in November if Beijing fails to ease its limits on rare earth exports.
White House confirms meeting during Apec 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 told reporters, “I’ll be meeting with President Xi of China. We have a long meeting planned. We can settle many doubts and use 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.”
China aims to calm growing tensions
China’s commerce minister Wang Wentao said on Friday that he remains optimistic about the talks. He noted that past discussions showed “it is entirely possible to find solutions to each other’s concerns” and “promote healthy, stable, and sustainable economic and trade relations.”
His comments suggest Beijing hopes to lower tensions and restore stability in its economic ties with Washington.
Trump’s broader Asian strategy unfolds
While in South Korea, Trump will also meet President Lee Jae Myung and attend a working dinner with regional leaders. His trip is part of a wider Asian tour that includes a stop in Malaysia for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) summit on Sunday.
According to the White House, Trump will also meet leaders from Malaysia, South Korea, and Japan, including Japan’s new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.
Fragile trade peace at risk
Trump and Xi have spoken three times this year, most recently in September, discussing TikTok’s operations in the United States. Their last face-to-face meeting occurred in 2019 during Trump’s first term.
Trump believes direct talks with Xi remain the most effective way to handle disputes over trade, tariffs, and fentanyl trafficking.
Since May, both countries have honored a fragile trade ceasefire that prevented a new round of tariffs.
But in October, China tightened export rules on rare earth materials, reigniting economic tensions. Trump responded by threatening 100% tariffs on Chinese imports and accused Beijing of acting “very hostile” and trying to hold the world “captive.”
Although he considered canceling, Trump decided to move forward with the talks. China continues to dominate the global supply of rare earth elements, vital for the production of cars, smartphones, and advanced technology.
