US President Donald Trump will meet Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea on 30 October. The White House confirmed the meeting, which will take place on the sidelines of a major Asian summit.
The two sides have been preparing for the meeting for several weeks, though rising friction between Washington and Beijing nearly derailed the plan. It will be the first in-person meeting between Trump and Xi since Trump’s return to the presidency.
Trump recently warned he would impose a 100% tariff on Chinese imports starting in November if Beijing does not ease restrictions on its rare earth exports.
White House confirms major diplomatic engagement
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 solve 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.”
China hopes to ease growing economic friction
China’s commerce minister Wang Wentao said on Friday that he remains optimistic about the upcoming talks. He explained that earlier negotiations proved “it is entirely possible to find solutions to each other’s concerns” and “promote healthy, stable, and sustainable economic and trade relations.”
His remarks show Beijing’s desire to calm tensions and protect fragile trade ties with Washington.
Trump’s Asia tour to strengthen regional ties
During his stop in South Korea, Trump will also meet President Lee Jae Myung and attend a working dinner with regional leaders. His Asia trip will include 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.
Trade ceasefire tested by new export rules
Trump and Xi have already spoken three times this year, most recently in September, about TikTok’s operations in the United States. Their last face-to-face meeting took place in 2019, during Trump’s first term.
Trump believes that direct talks with Xi are the best way to manage disputes over trade, tariffs, and fentanyl trafficking.
Since May, both nations have observed a fragile trade ceasefire that prevented another round of heavy tariffs.
However, Beijing’s move in October to tighten export rules on rare earth materials reignited tensions. Trump responded with threats of a 100% tariff on Chinese imports, accusing China of acting “very hostile” and trying to hold the world “captive.”
Though he briefly considered skipping the summit, Trump ultimately chose to proceed. China remains the dominant global supplier of rare earth elements, which are essential for manufacturing vehicles, smartphones, and advanced technologies.
