US President Donald Trump will meet Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea on 30 October. The White House confirmed the high-level meeting, which will take place alongside a major Asian summit.
Officials from both sides have been preparing the encounter for weeks, though rising tensions between Washington and Beijing almost jeopardized it. This will be their first face-to-face meeting since Trump returned to the White House.
Trump recently threatened to impose a 100% tariff on Chinese imports starting in November if Beijing refuses to ease its new restrictions on rare earth exports.
White House sets the stage for key meeting
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the talks on Thursday. The meeting will happen during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit (Apec) in Gyeongju, South Korea, which runs 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 address a lot of doubts and focus 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 expresses confidence ahead of talks
China’s commerce minister Wang Wentao voiced optimism on Friday about the upcoming discussions. He said previous dialogue showed that “it is entirely possible to find solutions to each other’s concerns” and “promote healthy, stable, and sustainable economic and trade relations.”
His comments indicate Beijing’s willingness to cool tensions and restore stability in its relationship with Washington.
Trump’s Asia tour to include several leaders
During his stay in South Korea, Trump will also meet President Lee Jae Myung and attend a working dinner with regional leaders. His trip forms part of a wider tour through Asia, including a stop in Malaysia for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) summit on Sunday.
The White House said Trump will also hold separate meetings with leaders from Malaysia, South Korea, and Japan, including Japan’s new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.
Fragile trade truce under pressure
Trump and Xi have already 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 maintains that direct discussions with Xi are the best way to resolve disputes over trade, tariffs, and fentanyl trafficking.
Since May, both countries have honored a fragile trade ceasefire that prevented another round of massive tariffs.
But China’s recent tightening of export controls on rare earth materials reignited friction. Trump responded with threats of a 100% tariff on Chinese imports, accusing Beijing of acting “very hostile” and trying to hold the world “captive.”
Despite earlier threats to withdraw, Trump decided to move forward with the meeting. China remains the world’s dominant supplier of rare earth elements, essential for producing cars, smartphones, and advanced technologies.
