US President Donald Trump will meet Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea on 30 October. The White House confirmed the upcoming meeting, which will take place on the sidelines of a major Asian summit.
The encounter has been planned for several weeks, though rising tensions between Washington and Beijing nearly derailed it. It will mark the first face-to-face meeting between the two leaders since Trump’s return to the presidency.
Trump recently warned that he would impose a 100% tariff on Chinese imports in November if Beijing does not relax its restrictions on rare earth exports.
White House confirms timing and agenda
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the meeting on Thursday. It will be held during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit (Apec) in Gyeongju, South Korea, from 31 October to 1 November.
Trump said, “I’ll be meeting with President Xi of China. We have a long meeting planned. We can clear up 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.”
China expresses hope for constructive dialogue
China’s commerce minister Wang Wentao voiced optimism on Friday about the upcoming talks. He said previous 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 remarks highlight Beijing’s interest in easing tensions and avoiding another escalation of the trade conflict with Washington.
Trump’s Asian tour to strengthen alliances
During his visit to 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.
Economic truce faces renewed strain
Trump and Xi have spoken three times this year, most recently in September, when they discussed TikTok’s operations in the United States. Their last in-person meeting took place in 2019, during Trump’s first term.
Trump insists that direct communication with Xi remains the best way to handle disputes over trade, tariffs, and fentanyl trafficking.
Since May, both nations have observed a fragile trade truce that prevented another round of tariffs.
But Beijing’s recent tightening of export controls on rare earth materials reignited tensions. Trump responded by threatening to double tariffs on Chinese goods and accused Beijing of acting “very hostile” and trying to hold the world “captive.”
Although he briefly considered skipping the talks, Trump ultimately decided to attend. China remains the world’s leading producer of rare earth elements, vital for manufacturing vehicles, smartphones, and high-tech equipment.
