Trump and Xi to Visit South Korea for APEC Gathering Amid Trade Negotiations

Strategic Insights -

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung will hold summit talks with US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) gathering next week. The talks, which will be held in Gyeongju, are expected to focus on trade negotiations, including a US$350 billion investment pledge from South Korea to finalize a trade deal with the US. This will be the second in-person meeting between Trump and Lee, following their White House summit in August. The APEC forum, the first to be held in South Korea in 20 years, will bring together leaders and delegations from 21 member economies, providing an opportunity for Lee to engage the two most powerful leaders on home turf. Additionally, Lee is expected to discuss ways to advance bilateral relations and regional security issues with Xi, and hold meetings with leaders from Canada, Singapore, and the United Arab Emirates.

Key Takeaways:

  • US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping will pay state visits to South Korea during the APEC gathering, with summit talks scheduled for President Lee Jae Myung.
  • The talks will focus on trade negotiations, including a US$350 billion investment pledge from South Korea to finalize a trade deal with the US.
  • The APEC forum will bring together leaders and delegations from 21 member economies, providing an opportunity for Lee to engage the two most powerful leaders on home turf.
  • South Korean President Lee Jae Myung will also hold summit talks with Xi Jinping, discussing ways to advance bilateral relations and regional security issues.
  • President Lee will hold back-to-back meetings with leaders from Canada, Singapore, and the United Arab Emirates to discuss ways to strengthen practical cooperation.
  • The APEC gathering will focus on addressing shared challenges for future generations, including artificial intelligence and demographic change.
  • Efforts are being made to achieve progress in tariff negotiations with the US, with National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac stating, "(The two sides) are engaged in earnest tariff negotiations, and efforts are being made to achieve progress."
  • The stakes are high for Lee's upcoming talks with Trump as Seoul and Washington remain in intense negotiations to finalize a trade deal.

Statistics:

  • US$350 billion: the investment pledge from South Korea to finalize a trade deal with the US.
  • 25%: the current tariff rate on Korean goods in the US.
  • 15%: the proposed tariff rate on Korean goods in the US after the trade deal is finalized.
  • 21: the number of member economies participating in the APEC forum.
  • 20 years: the duration since South Korea last hosted an APEC forum.

Sources:

  • Yonhap News Agency, October 24, 2025.