US President Donald Trump will meet Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea on 30 October. The White House confirmed the meeting, scheduled on the sidelines of a major Asian summit.
The encounter has been planned for weeks, though rising friction between Washington and Beijing nearly derailed it. This will be the first in-person meeting between the two leaders since Trump returned to office.
Trump has warned he will impose a 100% tariff on Chinese imports in November if Beijing does not ease its rare earth export restrictions.
White House confirms high-level 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, “I’ll be meeting with President Xi of China. We have a long meeting planned. We can resolve 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.”
Beijing expresses cautious optimism
China’s commerce minister Wang Wentao voiced optimism on Friday about the talks. He said earlier rounds of dialogue 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 indicate that Beijing aims to ease tensions and prevent another trade escalation with Washington.
Trump expands diplomatic engagement in Asia
During his stay in South Korea, Trump will also meet President Lee Jae Myung and attend a working dinner with regional leaders. His Asia tour also includes a stop in Malaysia for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) summit on Sunday.
The White House said Trump will meet leaders from Malaysia, South Korea, and Japan, including Japan’s new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.
Trade truce faces renewed 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 face-to-face meeting took place in 2019, during Trump’s first term.
Trump believes direct dialogue with Xi is the best way to resolve 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 rules on rare earth materials, reigniting economic tension. 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 dominant global supplier of rare earth elements, essential for producing vehicles, smartphones, and advanced technologies.
