US President Donald Trump will meet Chinese leader Xi Jinping in South Korea on 30 October. The White House confirmed the long-discussed meeting, which will take place on the sidelines of a major Asian summit.
The two governments have been negotiating the meeting for weeks, though increasing tensions between Washington and Beijing nearly derailed it. It will be their first face-to-face encounter since Trump’s return to office.
Trump has warned he will impose a 100% tariff on Chinese imports in November if Beijing does not ease its restrictions on rare earth exports.
White House finalizes agenda for Gyeongju talks
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 earlier, “I’ll be meeting with President Xi of China. We have a long meeting planned. We can settle 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 signals readiness for compromise
China’s commerce minister Wang Wentao expressed optimism on Friday about the upcoming negotiations. He said previous talks showed it was “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 pressure and prevent another trade confrontation with Washington.
Trump’s Asia visit expands diplomatic focus
During his South Korea visit, Trump will also meet President Lee Jae Myung and attend a working dinner with regional leaders. His Asia tour will include 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.
A delicate peace between two powers
Trump and Xi have already spoken three times this year, most recently in September, about TikTok’s US operations. Their last in-person meeting took place in 2019, during Trump’s first term.
Trump believes direct dialogue with Xi offers the best way to resolve long-standing disputes over trade, tariffs, and fentanyl trafficking.
Since May, both nations have maintained a fragile trade ceasefire that prevented a new wave of heavy tariffs.
But in October, China tightened export controls on rare earth materials, reigniting economic tensions. Trump responded by threatening a 100% tariff on Chinese goods and accused Beijing of trying to hold the world “captive” and acting “very hostile.”
Despite considering withdrawal from the talks, Trump ultimately agreed to attend. China remains the dominant producer of rare earth elements, vital for manufacturing cars, smartphones, and modern technology worldwide.
