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 on the sidelines of a major Asian summit.
The encounter has been in preparation for weeks, though growing tensions between Washington and Beijing nearly disrupted it. It will be the first face-to-face meeting between the two leaders since Trump’s return to the presidency.
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 prepares agenda for key summit
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the meeting on Thursday. It will happen 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 solve 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 hopes to ease diplomatic strain
China’s commerce minister Wang Wentao expressed optimism on Friday ahead of the meeting. 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 suggest Beijing hopes to stabilize relations and prevent another escalation of the trade conflict.
Trump’s Asia tour extends diplomatic outreach
During his visit to South Korea, Trump will also meet President Lee Jae Myung and attend a working dinner with regional leaders. His broader Asia trip includes a stop in Malaysia for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) summit on Sunday.
The White House said Trump will also hold talks with leaders from Malaysia, South Korea, and Japan, including Japan’s new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.
Fragile trade truce hangs in the balance
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 maintains that direct talks with Xi are the best way to address disputes over trade, tariffs, and fentanyl trafficking.
Since May, both countries have upheld a fragile trade ceasefire that prevented another wave of tariffs.
But China’s recent decision to tighten export rules on rare earth materials reignited tensions. Trump responded by threatening 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 proceed with the meeting. China remains the leading global producer of rare earth elements, essential for cars, smartphones, and modern technology.
